The facts of the case concern the death of 19-year old Johan Alexis Ortiz Hernández in February 1998, shot by a firearm in the facilities of the Cordero National Guard Training School. As part of his training for the National Guard, which would have concluded in April 1998, Ortiz Hernández was participating in a practice session that used real bullets.

The Inter-American Court’s ruling addressed the scope of violations to the right to life and integrity considering this took place within specific context of carrying out military activities. Additionally, the ruling analyzed the state diligence in carrying out an investigation, and the compatibility of the military justice with international human rights law.