Investigation Continues into Political Assassination of Ecuadorian Candidate
- One year after Fernando Villavicencio's murder in Ecuador, investigation still ongoing.
- Seven suspects dead with no clear mastermind found.
- Allegations of corruption and security failures plague the case.
In the ongoing investigation into the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, five individuals have been convicted for their roles as perpetrators and accomplices. They were found guilty of hiring assassins in Colombia, transporting them to Quito, and providing the vehicles used in the July 12 murder. The mastermind behind the crime has been identified as Carlos Angulo, alias “Invisible,” who was incarcerated at the time of the assassination. However, the investigation into the ultimate orchestrator and the motives behind the crime remains unresolved, shrouded in confidentiality imposed by the Prosecutor’s Office. The Villavicencio family, particularly his daughters Amanda and Tamia, express concerns regarding the judicial process, feeling restricted in their access to information about the case. While the Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate, the family is troubled by the focus on a narrative suggesting ties to former president Rafael Correa’s government. A protected witness testified during the trial, claiming that a conspirator mentioned a payment of $200,000 for the assassination, allegedly ordered by someone connected to Correa’s administration. The Villavicencio family remains skeptical of this theory, emphasizing that Fernando’s opposition to Correa made him a prominent figure in Ecuador. His investigative journalism had previously exposed corruption within Correa’s government, leading to significant legal repercussions for several officials. Additionally, Villavicencio had reported threats from a notorious criminal, raising further questions about the motives behind his assassination. As the investigation progresses, the family is left with lingering doubts about the authorities' ability to uncover the truth. They question the failures in the security measures surrounding Villavicencio and the accountability of those responsible for the assassins' custody, highlighting their frustration with the lack of clarity in the case.