QUITO — 2023 · Murder
The Assassination of Fernando Villavicencio
Fernando Villavicencio, a journalist known for investigating corruption and organised crime and a presidential candidate, was shot dead on 9 August 2023, eleven days before the election, as he got into a vehicle after a rally at a school in Quito; nine people were injured and one attacker died in a shoot-out. The killing became a symbol of Ecuador's rapidly rising gang violence. Colombian gunmen were detained within hours. In July 2024 two gang leaders were each sentenced to 34 years for organising the assassination, and three accomplices to 12 years. The investigation into the masterminds continues.
- Date
- 2023
- Place
- Pichincha, Ecuador, Quito, EC
- Category
- Murder
- Case Status
- Under Investigation
- Coordinates
- -0.1500, -78.4800 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 9 August 2023Villavicencio was shot leaving a rally in Quito.
- 10 August 2023Six Colombian suspects were detained.
- 20 August 2023The election went ahead as planned.
- 12 July 2024Two organisers got 34 years each; three accomplices 12 years.
- September 2025Charges were brought against alleged masterminds.
Sources
- BBC News — Ecuador presidential candidate shot dead bbc.com ↗
- The Guardian — Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio killed theguardian.com ↗
- Wikipedia — Assassination of Fernando Villavicencio en.wikipedia.org ↗
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.