Alejandro Ruffo, aged 52, was in custody since August 5, 2025, for the heinous crime of murdering his eight-year-old son, Joaquín, whom he suffocated to inflict pain on his wife, Natalia Ciak, 41. On Wednesday, he was discovered dead in his cell at the Melchor Romero Prison in La Plata, where he had been held on preventive detention.

Initial investigations by local authorities indicate that there were no signs of foul play, leading to the conclusion that Ruffo likely died by suicide, reportedly by tying a bedsheet around his neck. The facility, part of the Buenos Aires Provincial Prison Service (SPB), is categorized as a neuropsychiatric institution, housing inmates with mental health issues, which raises additional concerns about the support structures in place for such individuals.

In light of this incident, a probe has been initiated to investigate the circumstances of Ruffo’s death, with the Functional Instruction Unit (UFI) 3 in La Plata ordering an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation highlights the ongoing challenges within the Argentine prison system, particularly regarding the management of inmates with mental health problems and the support systems available.