Marcos Schenone y los hermanos Conzi

Summary

In January 2003 in Argentina, nightclub owner Horacio Coni shot into a taxi, killing 23-year-old Marcos Esquenon and injuring others. Coni had ejected Esquenon from his club earlier that night after seeing him with a woman Coni was interested in. Coni evaded authorities for nearly two months with help from his brother Hugo before being captured. At trial, Coni claimed insanity but was sentenced to nearly 25 years in prison. He later received house arrest but was sent back after violating release terms. Coni continues seeking release while the Esquenon family mourns their loss, remembering Marcos and determined to see justice served.

Takeaways

• 😱 In January 2003, businessman Horacio Conzi murdered a young man, Marcos Esquen, in a jealous rage after Esquen was seen kissing a woman Conzi was interested in
• 👮‍♂️ Conzi remained a fugitive for nearly 2 months before finally being captured
• 🤯 Conzi and his brother Hugo had a long history of violence, extortion, and run-ins with the law, but had managed to evade consequences due to connections
• 💔 Esquen's grieving mother demanded justice and fought against attempts to get Conzi a reduced sentence
• 🕵️‍♂️ The investigation faced many twists and turns, including alleged conspiracy theories from the Conzi brothers to obscure the truth
• 🔫 Bullet forensics directly tied the murder weapon to Horacio Conzi
• 😠 Hugo Conzi tried various distractions to divert attention away from his brother's crime
• 🚔 Despite an extensive manhunt, Hugo helped his brother Horacio evade capture for almost 2 months
• ⚖️ Horacio Conzi was eventually sentenced to nearly 25 years in prison for Esquen's murder
• 🤦‍♂️ Even in prison, Horacio Conzi continued attempts to manipulate his public image and obtain early release

Q & A

What was the initial ruling on Horacio Coni's killing of José Nazareno Riquelme in 1995?

Horacio was released and the judge ruled it was self-defense. His gun was also returned to him.

What violent acts had Horacio and Hugo Coni committed prior to the Dallas shooting?

They had threatened employees at a rival restaurant with guns, Hugo had bombed his own house, and Horacio had killed José Nazareno Riquelme in 1995.

Why was the bullet lodged in the remisero's leg so important?

It was evidence that could link the gun found in Horacio's house to the shooting. The defense tried to discard or manipulate this evidence.

How did the authorities locate Horacio Coni while he was a fugitive?

Through phone taps, they were able to determine his location in Mar del Plata after 57 days on the run.

What was Hugo Coni's defense strategy for his brother?

He tried to paint Horacio as a mystic who had a revelation from God. He also worked to make Horacio seem mentally unstable and unable to stand trial.

Why did the case become known as the Coni case instead of the Esquenon case?

Because the notoriety around Horacio Coni and his dramatic attempts to avoid justice took center stage, displacing the victim Marcos Esquenon.

What contributed to the intense media coverage of this case?

The wealth and power of the Coni brothers, the prior violent acts that were covered up, the lengthy fugitive search, and Hugo Coni's outlandish behavior with the press.

What was the final sentence for Horacio Coni?

24 years and 9 months in prison. His requests for conditional release have been denied.

How did Marcos Esquenon’s death impact his family?

His parents both passed away from grief soon after. His siblings spread their ashes together in the ocean to honor all three.

What is the key takeaway from this case?

Despite attempts to distract through veganism, mysticism claims, etc., Horacio Coni murdered Marcos Esquenon in cold blood.