How Does a 74-Year-Old in Argentina Escape House Arrest on the Fifth Floor?
Extradition Loomed
Bertulazzi, a former member of a far-left militant group, had spent decades in Argentina. The group kidnapped and murdered Italy’s prime minister in 1978. He faced imminent extradition to Italy and was under house arrest in Buenos Aires. His lawyer said Bertulazzi had suffered three strokes in the past two years and wore an ankle monitor.
Officers Find Him Missing
Police were stationed across the street from the fifth-floor apartment Bertulazzi shared with his wife. On Tuesday, two officers went to check on him during a routine shift change.
An official familiar with the investigation said the officers rang the doorbell, but no one answered. Investigators believe Bertulazzi escaped sometime between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. that morning.
Police Continue Search
The disappearance came as much of Buenos Aires’ law enforcement apparatus focused on Pope Leo’s visit. Police are still searching for Bertulazzi. The opening description mentions a heating pad, a bomb scare and animal fats, but the report provides no further details about their connection to his escape.
Key points
- Leonardo Bertulazzi, 74, vanished while under house arrest in Buenos Aires.
- Investigators believe he left between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday.
- He faced extradition to Italy on terrorism charges linked to events in the 1970s.
- Police were still searching for him.