Ecuador: Fernando Villavicencio Assassination Planned by Los Lobos Gang from Jail
In a shocking revelation, Ecuador's prosecutor's office discloses that the murder of Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was orchestrated by the "Los Lobos" gang from within the confines of Latacunga prison, 70 kilometers south of Quito, according to Nova News.
Six individuals, including Carlos Angulo, known as "The Invisible," and Laura C., alias "La Flaca," have been implicated as authors, co-authors, and accomplices in the heinous crime.
Carlos Angulo, identified as the leader of a faction within "Los Lobos," is pinpointed as the mastermind behind Villavicencio's murder.
Laura C. believed to be the logistical organizer of the crime, coordinated details through video calls with Angulo in prison.
Messages exchanged between "The Invisible" and the hired hitman, along with video evidence from Angulo's cell, substantiate the prosecutor's case against the alleged perpetrators.
Utilizing CCTV footage, law enforcement identified one assailant and traced the individual to a residence in the city's east.
Subsequent raids led to the arrest of six Colombian suspects, weapons seizures, and the discovery of grenades and ammunition.
Tragically, these suspects were later found dead in El Litoral prison, reportedly having suffocated or been hanged.
Prosecutors suspect that these individuals were hired gunmen and that the order to target the politician originated from within the Ecuadorean jail.
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Links to Los Lobos Gang and Cartel
The prosecutor's office connects messages sent to one of the gunmen with an inmate in Latacunga jail associated with "Los Lobos," BBC noted.
A woman, accused of providing logistical support to the assailants, also appears linked to the criminal gang.
Los Lobos, boasting approximately 8,000 members, stands as one of Ecuador's most potent criminal organizations, with reported connections to the influential Jalisco New Generation cartel in Mexico.
Ecuador has experienced a surge in gang violence, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a state of emergency.
Los Lobos, responsible for some of the country's bloodiest prison riots, has contributed to the deteriorating security situation.
The trial, set to determine the fate of the six remaining suspects, sheds light on the complex intersection of criminal enterprises and political violence within Ecuador.
Trial Significance and National Implications
The prosecutor's call for a trial marks a critical juncture in seeking justice for Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio's assassination.
As legal proceedings unfold, attention turns to a forthcoming defense hearing where the accused will respond to charges, BNN reports.
This trial serves as a pivotal moment for Ecuador's justice system, grappling with the interplay between criminal gangs and political violence.
With six of the 14 individuals involved still alive, the case underscores the perilous involvement of criminal elements in political affairs.
The murder of Ecuador's presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, and the ensuing trial carry profound implications for Ecuador's democracy and the safety of its political figures.
The case highlights the urgent need for robust security reforms and stringent controls on criminal organizations within the nation.
Ecuador stands united in mourning the loss of a presidential candidate, and the trial of the six Los Lobos gang members stands as a testament to the nation's determination to combat political violence and safeguard the integrity of democratic processes.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Ecuadorian presidential candidate known for his anti-corruption message assassinated -From NBC News