*Updated on Aug.10, 4.21 p.m.
Cristian Pity Álvarez, the former frontman of popular Argentine rock bands Viejas Locas and Intoxicados, went on trial Monday for the killing of Cristian Maximiliano Díaz.
The shooting took place in the early hours of July 12, 2018, in the Samoré neighborhood of Villa Lugano, in Buenos Aires. Díaz encountered Álvarez, who accused him of stealing items from a backpack. The argument quickly escalated and the rock star pulled a .25-caliber pistol from his jacket pocket and fired four shots at Díaz’s head.
According to prosecutors, the first bullet struck Díaz in the face. While the victim was already seriously wounded, Álvarez fired three more shots, ultimately killing him. Prosecutors contend that the attack was sudden and left Díaz with no real chance to defend himself. They also allege that Álvarez was illegally carrying a firearm.
The following day, Pity Álvarez turned himself in at Police Station No. 52 in Villa Lugano, accompanied by his lawyer. Before entering, he spoke to reporters and justified the killing with a statement that would become forever associated with the case: “I killed him because it was either him or me.”
Although Álvarez declined to testify before the judge during the investigation, he submitted a written statement that was added to the case file. In it, he said his actions that were driven by “confusion, madness and fear.” He denied intending to kill Díaz and said he had reacted because he believed his own life was in danger.
“Unfit for trial”
Following his arrest, Alvarez was placed in PRISMA, Argentina’s mental health program for inmates, at the psychiatric unit of Ezeiza prison. In June 2022, he was granted house arrest. Months later, the court removed his electronic ankle monitor after the proceedings were suspended over his mental health, ruling that he was not psychologically fit to stand trial.
Now, 54-year-old Pity Álvarez is finally on trial, after a court rejected yet another request from his defense to suspend the trial because of his mental health.
Since late 2025, the singer has gradually returned to the stage, performing to packed crowds in several Argentine provinces. He was even scheduled to perform Saturday in Tucumán but ultimately canceled the show.
The judges pointed to his extensive public activity in recent months — including concerts, videos, interviews and other appearances — as evidence that he is capable of facing a trial. Suspending the proceedings again, the judges said, would be “decidedly untenable.”
The primary charge carries a penalty of eight to 25 years in prison should Álvarez be convicted of simple homicide. However, the eventual sentence could be longer if aggravating circumstances are established during the trial.
Alvarez’ lawyer is Javier Marino, while the victim’s family is represented by Fernando Burlando and Fabián Améndola.
This first hearing only lasted two hours and was adjourned until Wednesday. Alvarez was seen dozing off during the procedure.
