A Tragic End to a Disappearance That Shook Río Cuarto
The community of Río Cuarto, in the central Argentine province of Córdoba, remains in shock after the search for Oscar "Cacho" Kowszyk, an 87-year-old retiree who went missing on Sunday, August 16, 2026, ended in tragedy. His body was found lifeless on Saturday, August 22, in the patio of a house at 1073 Buenos Aires Street, in the Mójica neighborhood, just five blocks from his own home.
The news, which quickly spread across the region, was confirmed by judicial sources and local media outlet Puntal, which reported the details of the investigation.
The Autopsy: A Blunt Force Trauma and Heart Failure
According to the preliminary autopsy report, the cause of death appears to be related to a severe blow to the head and face caused by a blunt object. However, the document also indicates heart failure as a contributing factor. The prosecutor's office is now awaiting the results of additional studies to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
Kowszyk's body was found covered with a tarp or sheet in the patio of the house, which reinforces the hypothesis that the suspects attempted to hide it.
Two Detained and Charged with Simple Homicide
The investigation, led by the Fourth Turn Prosecutor's Office under prosecutor Jael Arias Shocron, managed to identify and detain two individuals:
- Darío Peiretti, 53 years old, owner of the house where the body was found, with a criminal record.
- A man with the surname Martínez, 34 years old.
Both have been charged with simple homicide and are expected to give their statements in the coming days. The prosecutor's office has not ruled out that the suspects may have acted under the influence of drugs, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Security Cameras: Key to the Investigation
The progress in the case was possible thanks to the analysis of security cameras in the area. A dome camera located in Plaza Roca and a private camera recorded Kowszyk entering the house on Sunday the 16th at 8:00 PM. The images do not show him leaving, which led investigators to focus their search on that location.
Additionally, robbery was ruled out as a motive, as no signs were found that the victim was carrying valuables. Kowszyk was a regular visitor to that house, suggesting the incident was not random.
A Beloved and Active Man
Oscar Kowszyk was a well-known retiree in Río Cuarto. On the day of his disappearance, he left a note for his wife at 4:00 PM that read: "I'm going out for a walk to the center". He did not carry a cell phone, which made it difficult to locate him.
He actively participated in the theater, communication, and tango workshops of the Program for Adult Education (PEAM) at the National University of Río Cuarto, where he was highly appreciated by his peers and teachers.
The Procedure and Next Steps
The search warrant was executed on Saturday, August 22 at the house on Buenos Aires Street. There, officers found Kowszyk's lifeless body, which was transferred to the morgue of San Antonio de Padua Hospital for the corresponding autopsy.
The prosecutor's office continues to gather evidence and testimonies. In the coming days, the results of additional studies and the statements of the detainees are expected, which could provide key details about the circumstances of the incident.
Meanwhile, the community of Río Cuarto bids farewell to a neighbor who earned everyone's affection, hoping that justice will clarify this tragic episode.