Brother of Infamous Drug Lord Killed in Ecuador
The brother of one of Ecuador's most infamous drug lords was killed on Sunday by assailants who disguised themselves as police officers. The police have identified the victim as David Macías, 35, a regional leader of the criminal group Los Choneros. This gang was previously under the leadership of his brother, Adolfo Macías, known as "Fito." Adolfo is currently awaiting trial in the United States following his extradition from Ecuador last year.
Crime and Investigation
Los Choneros has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States and is held responsible for contributing to the rising murder rates in Ecuador. According to officials, David Macías was killed in the early hours of Sunday. Witnesses reported that men dressed as police officers entered the residence Macías had rented in the upscale neighborhood of Olón on Ecuador's Pacific coast. The gunmen fled the scene after the attack, and no arrests have been made as of yet.
Background of Gang Conflict
It is not uncommon for leaders of criminal organizations to become targets, either by rival gangs or by members within their own group due to internal power struggles. Last month, a local gang leader was fatally shot by two teenage gunmen at the Guayaquil international airport. In that incident, the assailants concealed their firearms behind stuffed toys and a bouquet of flowers to avoid detection.
Macías' Criminal History
In 2018, David Macías had pleaded guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy. During his imprisonment, he was reportedly instrumental in recruiting inmates for Los Choneros and establishing control over the prison on behalf of the gang. His murder marks another significant setback for Los Choneros following the arrest of his brother Adolfo last year, and another brother, Javier, in Colombia last month.
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