The murder of José Luis Cabezas, an Argentine photographer and investigative journalist, occurred on January 25, 1997, in Pinamar. Cabezas worked for the newspaper Clarín and the magazine Noticias and was known for his investigative work on corruption and drug trafficking in the province of Buenos Aires. A year before his death, he had captured a photograph of Alfredo Yabrán, a powerful businessman who, it was later discovered, had ordered his murder.
Cabezas' death triggered a strong social and political shock in Argentina, becoming a symbol of the fight for freedom of expression and justice. Years later, it was revealed that the crime had been committed by the gang of criminals known as "Los Horneros," consisting of José Luis Auge, Héctor Retana, Sergio González, and Horacio Braga. Additionally, it was revealed that Yabrán had been the subject of several investigative reports by Cabezas, which may have triggered his decision to eliminate him.
After an extensive investigation and popular mobilization, in 2000, Alfredo Yabrán committed suicide before being arrested, marking a crucial point in the case. However, the other culprits of Cabezas' murder were still free, generating criticism about the ineffectiveness of the Argentine judicial system. Gladys Cabezas, the victim's sister, remembered José Luis as a cheerful and good person, lamenting the lack of progress in the case and the slowness of justice.
Despite the protests and marches held in memory of José Luis Cabezas, the case remained without arrests and with a feeling of impunity. The fight to clarify his murder and bring all those responsible to justice continued to be one of the most urgent demands of Argentine society.
