Colombian Hitman Sentenced to Life for Multiple Murders in Chile
The Fourth Oral Court of Santiago has sentenced Colombian national Victor Riascos Estupiñán, also known as “The Flea,” to life imprisonment for his involvement in the brutal murders of three individuals in a single night in August 2022.
The Crime Spree
On August 8, Riascos arrived at a party in Santiago, arm in arm with a female companion. Shortly after, he got into a heated argument with two men who were allegedly looking at her. In a fit of rage, Riascos pulled out a firearm and killed both men. The first victim fell dead at the door of the venue, while Riascos chased the second victim and executed him on the ground just meters away.
Following this double homicide, Riascos fled down Sierra Bella Street, where he attempted to rob a Haitian worker on his way to work. Fortunately, the victim survived the encounter as Riascos’ gun jammed during the attempted attack.
Further Assaults
The violence didn’t stop there. Minutes later, Riascos targeted a woman, forcibly snatching her cell phone. The frightened victim later recounted the horrific scene, recalling how she could see Riascos’ blood-stained clothing at the police station.
The Final Victim
Riascos’ rampage culminated when he intercepted Glendy Huatay, a Peruvian woman who was on her way to the hospital to visit her critically ill nephew. Without a word, Riascos shot her in the head and then delivered a second, lethal shot. Prosecutor Arturo Gómez described her as a mother of three children, one of whom was just six months old.
Arrest and Investigation
Following his ignoble spree, Riascos attempted to steal another vehicle but was met with resistance. The would-be victim managed to disarm Riascos, giving law enforcement a chance to apprehend him at the very house where the first two murders occurred—this time, he had attempted to set it ablaze.
The investigation revealed that Riascos’ firearm was linked to at least two additional murders in Santiago, showcasing the violent rivalry between Colombian gangs in Chile, including “The Shottas,” of which Riascos was a known hitman.
Underlying Gang Conflicts
The clashes between The Shottas and another gang known as The Spartans have roots in Buenaventura, Colombia, and have spilled over into Chile, complicating the nation’s crime landscape. According to prosecutor Gómez, a staggering 29% of Colombian detainees in Chilean prisons are affiliated with either of these gangs.
Conclusion
Victor Riascos Estupiñán’s case sheds light on the rising violence attributed to gang warfare among Colombian nationals in Chile. As this tragic incident unfolds, it emphasizes the urgent need for robust law enforcement and community safety measures to combat such senseless violence. With Riascos sentenced to life in prison, it is hoped that justice can begin to heal the wounds inflicted on the victims’ families and the community as a whole.