Young Man Dies After Being Wounded in Barranquilla Restaurant Attack

The violence in the La Manga neighborhood, in southwestern Barranquilla, has claimed a second victim. The death of Dorian Stiven Briles Cerpa, a 22-year-old man, was confirmed. He had been seriously wounded in the attack that killed Miguel Tordecilla Díaz, owner of a restaurant in the area.

The incident occurred on Friday, December 5, around 1:30 p.m., at the intersection of Diagonal 78 and Transversal 21B. Dorian was at the restaurant with his partner and their 3-year-old daughter, buying lunch to take home, when the attack occurred.

According to witness statements gathered by authorities, a man wearing a gray sweater with a dark stripe lingered inside and outside the establishment for several minutes, observing the place. He initially tried to enter through a locked door, then returned and positioned himself near the counter. At that moment, he came face to face with Dorian, who took out his wallet to pay.

It was then that the attacker drew a firearm from his waistband and shot the restaurant owner, identified as Miguel Tordecilla Díaz, known in the community as “El Bendecido” (The Blessed One). Upon hearing the gunshot, Dorian tried to flee to protect his family, but the gunman pursued him and shot him repeatedly before escaping and meeting up with an accomplice waiting across the street.

The young man lay seriously wounded on the ground and was assisted by bystanders. He was initially taken to the La Manga neighborhood hospital, where they managed to stabilize him, and later transferred to the Adelita de Char Clinic, where he remained hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Despite medical efforts, he died Saturday night due to the severity of his injuries.

Dorian's parents stated that their son "was in the wrong place at the wrong time," making it clear that he had no connection to the attack. They recounted that he regularly bought food at that establishment because of the good prices and his close relationship with the owner, who was well-liked by the residents of the neighborhood. Although Dorian did not have a steady job, he earned a living as a motorcycle taxi driver and shoe vendor to support his family.

Initial investigations indicate that the attack was directed at Miguel Tordecilla Díaz, the shopkeeper killed at the scene. According to preliminary information from authorities and family members, the restaurant owner had been the victim of extortion and refused to pay the illegal demands, a situation that may have motivated the attack.

Following the deaths of both victims, relatives have demanded that the authorities promptly clarify the facts and capture those responsible for this double murder that has left two families grieving and the community of the La Manga neighborhood in shock.