Revealing Insights from ’50 Seconds’: The Fernando Báez Sosa Case

In January 2020, Fernando Báez Sosa embarked on a vacation with friends, which tragically ended in his death. The 18-year-old was brutally assaulted by a group of rugby players outside Le Brique, a nightclub in Villa Gesell. This case has garnered tremendous public and media attention, now reignited by the Netflix docuseries “50 Seconds: The Fernando Báez Sosa Case,” released on November 13.

Understanding the Crime in 50 Seconds

The title of the docuseries refers to the short time frame during which the lethal assault took place. As explained by Facundo Pedrini, director of news at Crónica TV, “It was a crime that lasted 50 seconds, but it was a looped murder.” The chilling nature of the attack was highlighted as footage of the event replayed endlessly in media coverage.

Courtroom Outcomes and Sentencing

The legal proceedings began on January 2, 2023, and concluded on February 6. In a trial held at the Criminal Court No. 1 in Dolores, five defendants—Máximo Thomsen, Ciro Pertossi, Enzo Comelli, Matías Benicelli, and Luciano Pertossi—were sentenced to life imprisonment for premeditated murder. Three others, Blas Cinalli, Lucas Pertossi, and Ayrton Viollaz, received 15-year sentences for being secondary participants.

Insights from the Defendants

The docuseries features poignant moments where five of the convicted spoke publicly, igniting debates about their sincerity and regret. Enzo Comelli, identified as the individual who struck Fernando, described the overwhelming media presence during the trial. “You felt like you were in a zoo, with 50,000 cameras pointing at you,” he stated.

• Blas Cinalli: His DNA was found under Fernando’s nail, indicating his direct involvement.
• Ciro Pertossi: Suggested he felt pre-judged, believing the outcome was predetermined.
• Luciano Pertossi: Acknowledged the gravity of the situation, expressing the difficulty of facing a trial for such a serious matter.
• Máximo Thomsen: The individual who delivered the fatal kick called for the trial to commence swiftly and expressed remorse.

Revealing Evidence

One of the most shocking pieces of evidence featured in the trial was security footage from a nearby supermarket. In the video, Ciro Pertossi was seen licking his knuckles in an apparent attempt to erase traces of Fernando’s blood. Additionally, investigations revealed that he searched for “Villa Gesell Fight” multiple times on the morning of the attack.

A Mother’s Heartbreak

The docuseries also captures the profound sorrow of Graciela Sosa, Fernando’s mother, as she reflects on their last conversation. She shared, “He wanted to go on vacation with his friends, saying it would be the last trip. I thought he was joking.” This haunting premonition underscores the tragic loss that has resonated with many.

The Fernando Báez Sosa case remains a pivotal moment in recent Argentinian history, with ongoing discussions about justice and societal impact stemming from this brutal event.