Armed attack leaves five dead and seven injured during celebration
The incident occurred near a recent drug seizure. Authorities carry out investigations
Vinces, Los Ríos, Ecuador - A night of celebration turned into a tragedy last Saturday, January 27, in the midst of the state of emergency, when a group of friends were victims of an armed attack outside a home located in Walter Andrade and José Echeverría avenues, in the city of Vinces. The event, which left five people dead and seven injured, occurred just six days after the seizure of 22 tons of drugs in the Estero Lagarto facility.
Around 8:00 p.m., while the young people were enjoying the meeting, two vans arrived at the scene and armed men opened fire on those present. Witnesses report that about eight heavily armed individuals participated in the attack, which left Luis Alberto Intriago Monserrate, Manuel Andrade Ramos, Miguel Pita Vera, Brigitte Quiñónez Lozano and a still unidentified Venezuelan woman dead.
The violence reached its peak when, in desperation, some of the attendees ran towards a house to take refuge, but were followed and killed inside. The National Police discovered the bodies in different areas of the house, including the bathroom, closet and a bedroom.
Miguel Pita, who was not participating in the meeting, became a collateral victim when he was hit by gunfire when he tried to take refuge in his house. According to police sources, the initial target of the attack would have been Carlos R. L., who managed to flee through the patio and reach safety.
In addition to the fatalities, eight people were injured, the majority being discharged the same night of the attack. However, a 15-year-old girl had to be transferred to the Babahoyo hospital due to the severity of her injuries.
Luis Alberto Intriago Monserrate's mother expressed her regret and concern, revealing that she had warned her son about the company she kept. The Police carried out eight raids in search of the suspects, seizing substances subject to control, firearm ammunition, cash and a motorcycle reported stolen.
So far, those responsible for the attack have not been found, and the community of Vinces is united in pain and indignation at this massacre.