🚨 HORROR IN BUENOS AIRES: He gunned down his own 2-year-old niece during Argentina’s biggest celebration — the 2022 World Cup victory — and then vanished for over THREE YEARS… only to be caught HIDING in the home of his SISTER, the little girl’s MOTHER! 😱💔

Cristian Gabriel Tejerina (29) was on the run since December 18, 2022 — the exact day Argentina lifted the Qatar trophy. In the chaos of nationwide euphoria, he allegedly…

Authorities in Buenos Aires province have arrested a 29-year-old man who had been a fugitive for more than three years in connection with the shooting death of his 2-year-old niece. Cristian Gabriel Tejerina was taken into custody Thursday in a police operation at a residence in Pontevedra, part of the Merlo district, where he was reportedly being hidden by his sister — the child’s mother.

The case dates back to December 18, 2022, the day Argentina defeated France in the Qatar World Cup final to claim the national team’s third title amid widespread jubilation. That same evening, in the Moreno area, a violent domestic dispute erupted in a family home. According to police and court records, Tejerina became involved in an argument between his sister and her partner, the father of the child. Witnesses reported that Tejerina confronted his brother-in-law, allegedly saying words to the effect of “You won’t hit my sister anymore,” before producing a firearm.

In the ensuing struggle or chaos, Tejerina fired shots. One bullet struck Oriana Naomí Gómez Tejerina, his 2-year-old niece, in the chest. The toddler was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The incident transformed what should have been a day of national triumph into a personal and family tragedy.

Tejerina fled the scene immediately after the shooting and evaded capture despite an intensive search by provincial police and federal authorities. He was classified as a high-priority fugitive, wanted for aggravated homicide. Reports indicate he managed to remain at large for over three years, prompting speculation about possible assistance from family or acquaintances to avoid detection.

The breakthrough came this week when investigators received information leading them to a specific address in Pontevedra. A raid involving special forces units resulted in Tejerina’s arrest without resistance. Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the property belonged to his sister, the mother of the slain child. Authorities have not yet detailed whether she faces charges related to harboring a fugitive, though the revelation has sparked public outrage and questions about family dynamics in the aftermath of such a devastating loss.

The child’s mother has not made public statements since the arrest, and her legal status remains unclear pending further review by prosecutors. In Argentina, providing shelter to a relative accused of a serious crime can sometimes fall under protections for family members, but deliberate concealment of a fugitive may lead to accessory charges depending on the circumstances and evidence.

The original crime occurred against the backdrop of domestic tensions. Court documents and media reports from 2022 describe a history of alleged violence in the household, with Tejerina intervening on behalf of his sister during the confrontation. Prosecutors maintain that his actions crossed into criminal territory when he resorted to lethal force, resulting in the unintended but tragic death of the child caught in the crossfire.

Oriana’s death drew significant attention at the time due to its timing — coinciding with Argentina’s euphoric World Cup win — and the heartbreaking innocence of the victim. Community members in Moreno expressed shock, with neighbors recalling the family as ordinary residents until the violent episode shattered their lives. The toddler was remembered in local reports as a bright, playful child whose life ended abruptly.

Tejerina’s long evasion highlights challenges in tracking fugitives within dense urban areas or with potential family support networks. Police utilized various methods, including intelligence gathering and tips, to locate him after years on the run. His capture in a family home adds a layer of complexity, raising questions about loyalty, fear, or coercion within the household.

Legal experts note that the case will now proceed toward trial, where prosecutors will seek to prove Tejerina’s culpability in the homicide. Defense arguments may focus on the context of the domestic dispute, potential claims of acting in defense of his sister, or accidental discharge amid the altercation. However, the death of a minor in such circumstances typically weighs heavily against leniency.

The arrest has reignited discussions in Argentina about domestic violence, firearm access in heated family conflicts, and the long-term impacts on surviving relatives. Advocacy groups have pointed to the need for stronger interventions in abusive households to prevent escalations that endanger children. In this instance, the child’s death underscores how bystanders — even well-intentioned ones — can become perpetrators when violence spirals.

Family members and friends of the victims have remained largely private, though initial reports from 2022 described profound grief among those close to Oriana. The mother’s role in allegedly sheltering her brother has drawn particular scrutiny, with some online commentators questioning how a parent could protect the accused killer of her own daughter. Others speculate about possible psychological trauma, threats, or complex familial bonds influencing her decisions.

Authorities have not released additional details about Tejerina’s activities during his time as a fugitive or whether he received external aid beyond his sister’s home. The investigation continues, including forensic reviews of the original crime scene and any new evidence from the arrest location.

This case serves as a grim reminder of how personal disputes can turn deadly, especially when firearms are involved, and how the ripple effects of violence can persist for years. Argentina’s justice system will now determine accountability for the 2022 shooting, while the community in Moreno and beyond grapples with the enduring pain of a child’s needless death amid what began as a moment of national pride.

As proceedings move forward, the focus remains on justice for Oriana Naomí Gómez Tejerina and addressing the underlying issues that allowed such a tragedy to unfold and remain unresolved for so long.