Édinson Rojas, also known as Pichi Gordo, the historical leader of La Terraza, the most dangerous gang in Medellín, was killed in a hitman attack on Thursday. The incident also claimed the life of another person, with one more injured. The victims were in a BMW car in El Poblado when men on motorcycles opened fire on them.
Rojas had been convicted by the Fourth Criminal Court of the Specialized Circuit of Medellín after making a preliminary agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office. After almost seven years behind bars, he was released on parole in January 2020.
In another violent incident, two foreigners were killed in a shooting at the northern terminal in Medellín. One of the victims died at the scene while the other succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. A third person, a male, was injured and is in serious condition at the Medellín Polyclinic.
Authorities reported that the shooting took place around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday when two individuals on a motorcycle arrived and shot the victims without saying a word. The incident has raised concerns in Medellín as most of the victims of violent crimes in the city are foreigners, including Americans seeking entertainment.
Last year, the Institute of Legal Medicine received the bodies of 45 foreigners who died violently in Medellín. These travelers were targeted with firearms, blunt objects, and knives in settling scores or robbery incidents. The escalating violence against foreigners in the city has put authorities on high alert.