Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Paraguay organized crime prosecutor slain on Colombian beach

Paraguay’s prosecutor of organized crime and drug trafficking cases has been slain in Colombia apparently by gunmen on a jet ski as he honeymooned with his new wife

Via AP news wire
Tuesday 10 May 2022 17:30 EDT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paraguay's prosecutor of organized crime and drug trafficking cases was slain Tuesday in Colombia apparently by gunmen on a jet ski as he honeymooned with his new wife on an island off Cartagena, authorities and their hotel said.

Marcelo Pecci married journalist Claudia Aguilera in April. Aguilera had recently shared photos on social media showing her and Pecci on the island of Baru in the Caribbean south of the Colombian city of Cartagena.

Her final social media posting, hours before the attack, was a photo of herself and her husband with a pair of baby's shoes along with the message: “The best wedding gift ... the approaching life that is a testimony to the sweetest love.”

The Decameron Cartagena Hotel, where the couple was staying, said gunmen traveled on a jet ski and shot the couple while they were on the beach. It was not immediately known if Aguilera was hurt in the attack. The gunmen also fired at a security guard, who was unhurt.

Colombia's foreign minister and vice president, Marta Lucía Ramírez, said authorities were working to clarify “the motives and authors of this heinous crime.”

A “high command” criminal investigation unit had been sent to Cartagena, Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano said. Paraguayan and U.S. officials will be integrated into the unit to help identify and prosecute the perpetrators, police said.

Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez decried the “cowardly murder” of the prosecutor and sent a message of condolences to his relatives on Twitter. He vowed to redouble Paraguay's efforts against organized crime.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in