Juan de la Cruz Paredes Martínez died that day from a gunshot wound to the head. It was not possible to locate his Death Certificate or the Autopsy Protocol, although his death is registered under No. 1281 in the city of Concepción, dated September 27, 1973.

In resolution No. 1585-271 of November 29, 1973, the Personnel Directorate of the Ejército (Army) General Staff stated that, while Juan de la Cruz Paredes Martínez, a conscript of the 7th Cavalry Regiment "Guías de Concepción," was on guard duty, a shot was accidentally discharged that caused the death of another soldier; upon seeing what had happened, he chose to take his own life by shooting himself under the chin.

His death was considered by the Ejército to have occurred in the line of duty.

This same version of Juan Paredes's death was given to his family when they were notified of the news.

The Superior Council, considering the time of the death and the extreme tension to which inexperienced soldiers were subjected in the performance of their duties, reached the conviction that the suicide of Juan de la Cruz Paredes Martínez is attributable to the prevailing political violence.