A Tragic End to a Week-Long Search
The search for Oscar “Cacho” Kowszyk, an 87-year-old Argentine pensioner, came to a devastating end on the afternoon of Saturday, August 22, 2026. Police in Córdoba Province found his body in the backyard of a house on Calle Buenos Aires at 1100, in the Mójica neighborhood of Río Cuarto, just a few blocks from his own residence. Two men were arrested and are now facing preliminary homicide charges.
The discovery was made during a court-authorized search ordered by the Fourth Shift Instruction Prosecutor of Río Cuarto, Jael Arias Shocron, after security cameras in the area (both public and private) captured a person matching the elderly man’s description entering that property.
The Arrests and a Connection to the Victim
During the procedure, officers uncovered a body hidden under a tarp in the backyard. Forensic investigators later confirmed it was Kowszyk.
- Darío Peiretti, 53, the property owner, was arrested at the scene.
- A second man identified as Martínez, 34, was also taken into custody.
According to preliminary reports, Kowszyk regularly visited Peiretti's residence, a crucial detail for prosecutors seeking to determine the nature of their relationship and the circumstances that led the retiree to that location.
Autopsy Reveals Potential Cause
The body was taken to the morgue at San Antonio de Padua Hospital for preliminary examinations. Early results suggest the victim may have suffered a severe blow to the head and face from a blunt object. The official autopsy remains pending to confirm the exact cause of death and whether other injuries were present.
An Active Member of the Community
Known by friends as “Cacho”, Kowszyk was a cherished neighbor who maintained an active lifestyle well into his 80s. He participated in the Educational Program for Older Adults (PEM) at the National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC), where he attended theater, communication, and tango workshops. His sudden disappearance mobilized relatives, friends, teachers, and fellow students throughout the entire week.
Last Sunday, at approximately 5:00 PM, a surveillance dome captured him at Plaza Roca. Later, a private camera recorded him entering the house at Buenos Aires 1073 around 8:00 PM. No further footage of him was found.
Timeline of Events
| Date & Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday, Aug 16, ~4:00 PM | Kowszyk leaves home, leaves a note for his wife |
| Sunday, Aug 16, ~5:00 PM | Last sighting at Roca Square |
| Sunday, Aug 16, ~8:00 PM | Entered a house on Buenos Aires street |
| Sunday, Aug 16 | Reported missing that night |
| Saturday, Aug 22, afternoon | Found dead in the backyard |
What's Next for the Investigation?
The case is being handled by prosecutor Jael Elara Shocron, who will now determine the exact circumstances of the homicide and the level of responsibility of both detained individuals. Camera footage, the victim’s prior relationship with the homeowner, and forensic results will be crucial to the investigation.
This case has deeply shaken the community of Río Cuarto, a city located roughly 580 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires. For a full week, volunteers and police searched various areas, including the El Andino neighborhood, Alberdi, and the banks of the local river, hoping for a happy ending.
Sources: Infobae, El Doce, TN.
* All times are local Argentina Time (ART).