Story By: Alex Cope, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

This 21-year-old man has died after having his throat slit whilst taking his dog for a morning walk during the coronavirus lockdown.

The shocking incident occurred when Alan Bopp, 21, was walking his pit bull terrier in the town of Puerto Madryn in the eastern Argentine province of Chubut accompanied by his half-brother Rodrigo Ojeda.

Bopp decided to take his dog out at 6am in order to avoid other dogs during Argentina’s lockdown, according to reports.

The pair were reportedly stopped near their home by two aggressors who began arguing with them before attacking them with knives, with Ojeda being stabbed in the back and Bopp having his throat slit, dying shortly after.

Ojeda was taken to hospital where he remains but his life is not at risk.

Two men, named in reports as Juan Colemil Navarro and Nicolas Hammond were arrested for the crime, according to reports.

The pair, who local media say have criminal records, reportedly refused to give statements to the police yesterday (Tuesday), and prosecutor Jorge Bugueno said they were being investigated for “homicide and attempted homicide”. It is currently unclear which suspect is alleged to have dealt the fatal blow.

The pair remain in detention and could stay in preventative prison for the next six months until their trial.

No motive has been provided for the crime or the argument which preceded the attack.

The handball team the victim played for, Club Grilli, paid tribute to him online, writing: “From the Grilli family we deeply regret the death of Alan Bopp who accompanied us since he was 13 years old, forming part of the first team. […] Thank you Alan for the affection, humility and loyalty for all these years.”

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