Abhiroop Das
Helmed by Martín Rocca, Netflix’s ’50 Seconds: The Fernando Báez Sosa Case,’ originally titled ’50 segundos: el caso Fernando Báez Sosa’ is a documentary mini-series that tells the real-life story of Fernando Báez Sosa, who was beaten to death by a group of young men dubbed “the rugby players.” The attack, which took place on January 18, 2020, was caught on video and condemned widely across social media, creating a ripple effect all over the world. The Argentine series sheds light on both the investigative process and the ensuing waves of protests, which called for an end to violence among youth. This is achieved through a multi-perspective approach, involving insights from real-life professionals who led the investigative and legal aspects of the case, as well as the families and friends of both Fernando and his attackers.
Máximo Pablo Thomsen Was Convicted of Murder in the Fernando Báez Sosa Case
Máximo Pablo Thomsen is one of the eight men who attacked Fernando Báez Sosa and his friends on January 18, 2020, in Villa Gesell, Argentina. More commonly known as “Machu” among his friends and family, Máximo was popular as a sports prodigy and excelled at Rugby, having played with Club Atlético San Isidro. According to reports, on the morning of January 18, Máximo headed out to party in Villa Gesell with 10 of his friends, many of whom also played rugby with him at Club Náutico Arsenal Zárate. At a nightclub known as La Brique, Máximo and his group got into a clash with Fernando Báez Sosa and his friends, and Máximo’s group was expelled by the nightclub’s security guards.
Fernando’s group also left the club a while later. Shortly after, Máximo’s group reportedly attacked Fernando and his friends outside La Brique, severely injuring him in the process. Following this, the group returned to their hotel, not knowing that Fernando would soon succumb to his injuries. In the official investigations that followed, the police arrested Máximo, along with 10 of his friends. As per reports, several witnesses on the scene identified Máximo as the leader of the group that attacked Fernando Báez Sosa, with video recordings from that night confirming the same.
Additionally, his shoe reportedly had blood stains that matched Fernando’s DNA, and while Máximo initially claimed that the shoe belonged to an acquaintance of his, named Pablo Ventura, that was soon proven to be a lie. During the trials, Máximo admitted to being at the scene and hitting Fernando, claiming to intervene in a potentially violent situation involving his friends. Furthermore, he reportedly denied having any intent to murder and alleged that he attacked in retaliation for being punched first. However, on 6 February 2023, Máximo, along with seven other men, was found guilty of aggravated homicide, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Máximo Thomsen Was in a Two-Year-Long Relationship While in Prison
According to reports, Máximo is currently incarcerated at Mayor’s Office No. 3 of the Melchor Romero correctional center in Buenos Aires, as of writing, and continues to serve his prison sentence. In the years after his sentencing, he has reportedly maintained some form of communication with the outside world through social media, as well as his lawyer, Francisco Oneto. In a series of messages sent to Clarin, Máximo explained his life in prison, describing it as a routine where detainees live in the same pavilion and share public spaces such as courtyards. He mentioned having a psychological evaluation and check-up once a week. Additionally, he confirmed being in touch with his family and friends, with scheduled visitations reportedly taking place every Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In an interview with Telenoche, Máximo spoke about his experiences as an inmate in detail. He mentioned that, besides the occasional access to the shared courtyard space, most of his day is spent behind bars, which he described as a horrible experience. While as an inmate he is allowed to carry a cellphone, its usage is limited to card games and basic messaging. Additionally, he talked about being alienated in his prison pavilion and being subjected to verbal and psychological abuse at the hands of other prisoners. Notably, alongside Máximo, four other men, Ciro Pertossi, Luciano Pertossi, Matías Benicelli, and Enzo Comelli, were declared as co-conspirators and given life sentences as well. On the other hand, Lucas Pertossi, Blas Cinalli, and Ayrton Viollaz were considered to be secondary conspirators and given a sentence of fifteen years each. While talking about them, Máximo explained that their dynamic is still amicable, despite their differences over certain matters.
Notably, Máximo also had a brief relationship with a girl while in prison, and in the conversation with Telenoche, he explained that they got in touch via message. Following mutual interest, the two got into a relationship that lasted two years, with Máximo mentioning that she visited the prison to meet with him on more than one occasion. In the update shared with Clarin, he explained that, although the relationship had ended, he was still in touch with the girl due to their mutual affection for each other. The messages also included his perspective on his incarceration, in which he alleged that his sentence was intended to be exemplary in nature. Going one step further, he claimed that the court’s intentions had failed, as cases of violence among youth have only increased since then. As such, while Máximo has a complicated perspective on the case, his grounds for conviction remain unchallenged.
Read More: Silvino Báez and Graciela Sosa: Where are Fernando Baez Sosa’s Parents Now?
