Jealousy behind murder of young man found in vehicle in La Guardia, Santa Cruz
A 24-year-old man was killed on 23 October in La Guardia after being lured with the help of a 15-year-old teenager. Two people have been apprehended and a third suspect remains at large.
Crime planned over jealousy: 24-year-old man found dead inside his van in La Guardia
A "jealousy crisis" is believed to have motivated the murder of a 24-year-old man whose body was found on 23 October inside a Toyota van in the municipality of La Guardia, in the department of Santa Cruz, according to El Deber. The case has two people apprehended and a third suspect who remains at large.
The commander general of the Bolivian Police, Colonel MSc. Adrián Javier Álvarez Arismendi, presented the results of the investigations and classified the incident as a premeditated murder. The Special Force to Combat Crime (Felcc) and the Criminal Intelligence Department took on the case following the discovery of the body.
Planning began months before the crime
According to the police report, the background to the case dates back to 12 May of this year, when it is alleged that planning how to approach the victim began. The motive identified by investigators is the suspicion of the alleged perpetrator that a friendship existed between the 24-year-old man and his partner.
To carry out the plan, those involved allegedly used a 15-year-old teenager, who made contact with the victim at a restaurant. The relationship continued through social networks with the stated aim, according to the police reconstruction, of "building trust and facilitating an encounter".
Kidnapping, transport and death
On 23 October, the suspects managed to contact the young man and transport him to the locality of El Torno. There, it is alleged, they subdued him, bound him and placed him in his own vehicle. He was subsequently transported through various areas until reaching La Guardia, where he is believed to have been killed. The body was abandoned inside the van, where it was found lifeless.
The forensic medical autopsy determined that the victim died from neurogenic shock, cerebral oedema and spinal injury associated with traumatic cervical luxofracture, in addition to cranioencephalic trauma and injuries to the spinal region, Álvarez Arismendi reported.
Cameras and mobile phones, key to the investigation
To identify the alleged perpetrators, investigators analysed images from video surveillance cameras, tracked routes and reviewed communications between the suspects. Statements were also taken in the municipalities of El Torno and La Guardia. According to the commander general, data extracted from mobile devices made it possible to establish evidence about the planning of the incident and the participation of each of those involved.
Two apprehended, one at large
As a result of the investigation, the Police apprehended Yasmany A. G., identified as the alleged perpetrator of the murder, and the 15-year-old teenager, whose identity was not disclosed. The institution stated that the procedure was carried out with the participation of the Office for the Defence of Children and Adolescents, in compliance with corresponding protocols.
A third suspect, a 23-year-old man, was identified but remains at large. Álvarez Arismendi made a public appeal for him to turn himself in voluntarily at any police station in the Integrated South sector or in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The specialised units continue their search efforts.
The case is under investigation by the Public Ministry.
Source: El Deber