Alexis Juárez, owner of the pitbull that attacked and killed two-year-old Owen González in Alta Gracia, has been released from Bouwer prison after medical evaluations determined he is not criminally responsible for his actions.
The man was being held and faced charges of negligent homicide dating back to September 4, the date when the tragedy took place.
The fatal attack occurred on September 4 in a home located in the Villa Oviedo neighborhood of Alta Gracia. Owen was in the yard with his mother, Lara González, and a young niece when the pitbull attacked the child, inflicting severe head injuries. The young woman rushed out desperately to ask for help, and the little boy was transported by the Police to the Arturo Illia Hospital.
Despite being rushed to the hospital for emergency care and despite medical professionals attempting to resuscitate him, they were unable to revive him, and he died around 6 p.m. Following the attack, police personnel captured the animal to prevent it from posing a new risk in the area.
Medical assessments change Juárez's legal status
Juárez had been held at Bouwer prison and charged with negligent homicide following the September 4 incident. According to medical professionals who examined him, the accused lacks the mental capacity to understand the criminality of his actions. The judicial decision was based on the results of the interdisciplinary peritajes performed on the accused, and the choice was made after medical expert assessments determined that the man is unpunishable.
Carlos Nayi, the attorney representing Owen’s family, explained that this medical conclusion served as the decisive factor in changing the defendant’s procedural status. Es inimputable de acuerdo a las pericias practicadas. No puede comprender la criminalidad de sus actos,
stated Nayi when detailing the grounds for the release.
Nayi emphasized that the forensic studies focused specifically on whether Juárez could comprehend the reach and gravity of his conduct. Aún cuando hubiera matado a una persona, está eximido de responsabilidad porque no puede entender o medir el alcance o gravedad de sus acciones,
the lawyer added.
Did You Know? Following the initial tragedy on September 4, local police captured the pitbull to eliminate any ongoing risk in the residential area of Alta Gracia.
Court imposes restraining order amid family outcry
Legal representatives confirmed that Juárez's release does not end the judicial proceedings.
The court implemented a strict restraining order designed to prevent Juárez from approaching the relatives of the young victim.
Lara González voiced her anguish and dissatisfaction through social media regarding the recent developments in the case. Hace tres días recibí la noticia de que el dueño del perro que atacó a mi hijo está en libertad. Lo único que quiero es justicia por mi hijo. Alexis tiene que estar preso,
wrote González.
Why Alexis Juárez was released from prison
Why was Alexis Juárez released from prison?
Juárez was freed after interdisciplinary medical peritajes concluded that he is mentally incapable of understanding the criminality of his actions. This clinical finding served as the determining factor for the court to alter his legal status.
What charges did Alexis Juárez face initially?
Following the September 4 attack, authorities detained Juárez and formally charged him with negligent homicide. His legal representation and the subsequent judicial review centered on this charge before the forensic mental health evaluations shifted his procedural standing.
What restrictions apply to Juárez now that he is free?
Although the court granted his release from Bouwer prison, the prosecutor’s investigation remains active. Magistrates also issued a restraining order to prohibit Juárez from approaching the family members of Owen González.
How should local authorities balance public safety concerns with the legal protections afforded to defendants undergoing psychiatric evaluations?
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