Five convicted for murdering Fernando Villavicencio in his bid for presidency.

On Friday, five individuals were convicted for their involvement in the 2021 assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio on motorcycles during a campaign event near Quito. The deceased, aged 59, was an ex-journalist who met his end amidst political turmoil.

Villavicencio's murder transpired on the 9th of August at a school in Ecuador’s capital following a public gathering; thirteen bystanders sustained injuries from this act of violence. The five culprits faced distinct terms: two received sentences for their orchestration roles, and three others were judged for assisting the principal perpetrators.

Investigations uncovered connections with organized crime syndicates, specifically noting involvement with groups labeled as terrorist entities by then-President Daniel Noboa in January 2021. Carlos Angulo, alias “Invisible,” was identified from a detention center and facilitated the murder via video calls; however, his accomplice remains at large.

The trio of accused supporters—Erick Ramírez, Víctor Flores, and Alexandra Chimbo—were implicated in guiding the assailants through Villavicencio's whereabouts during their pre-trial custody. Sentencing recommendations sought by prosecutors were met when judges handed down their decisions.

In Quito, mourning relatives displayed their grief publicly with images and symbols of remembrance following the court’s announcement. The accused face potential appeal processes in light of these proceedings.

The broader case involves numerous suspects, including Colombians who perished under mysterious circumstances within Ecuadorian prisons months prior to the main trial's outcome. Ongoing efforts aim to ascertain further details surrounding the command for Villavicencio’s death.