Prosecutors charge 'Los Pulpos' with quadruple homicide and kidnapping in Trujillo: sentences exceed 20 years
The Public Ministry sought 36 months of preventive detention for 10 members of the criminal gang 'Los Pulpos' for the quadruple murder and kidnapping of businessman Jenss Lara.
Charges and sentences against 'Los Pulpos' for crimes in Trujillo
The Public Ministry presented the charges and possible sentences that would apply to the 10 suspects being investigated for the quadruple murder and kidnapping of businessman Jenss Lara, which occurred in the early hours of 30 August 2026 in Trujillo. This was reported by latinanoticias.pe during the hearing on the request for 36 months of preventive detention against members of the criminal organisation 'Los Pulpos'.
Prosecutor Andrea Lavado Pérez argued that the projected sentences for each of the 10 suspects would exceed five years, the threshold that legally enables the request for preventive detention for that period. The Public Ministry clarified that the criminal structure of the gang comprises more than 10 people, but only those in detention are participating in the hearing. According to Lavado Pérez, there are other people involved who are being sought and some who have not yet been identified.
Search and immediate incarceration
Jhonsson Smit Cruz Torres, alias 'Jhonsson Pulpo', and Gabriel Mendocilla Gómez, alias 'Z', acceded to the prosecutor's request for 36 months of preventive detention. Judge Eduardo Medina Carrasco immediately ordered their remand in prison to serve the precautionary measure.
Criminal organisation: up to 20 years for the gang leader
The 10 members are charged with the offence of criminal organisation, carrying a sentence of between 8 and 15 years. For 'Jhonsson Pulpo', identified as the leader of the gang, an aggravating factor is applied that raises the sentence to a range of between 15 and 20 years.
Extortionate kidnapping: between 20 and 30 years, with possible aggravating factor
For the kidnapping of businessman Jenss Lara, the 10 detainees face the charge of extortionate kidnapping, with a possible sentence of between 20 and 30 years. Prosecutor Lavado recalled that, if cruelty against the kidnapping victim is proven, the sentence would be no less than 30 years. According to the prosecution's position, that aggravating factor would apply to 'Los Pulpos', who allegedly systematically severed the fingers of their victims to demand ransom payment.
Gunman in the quadruple murder: minimum 15 years
Frank Quezada Cruz is attributed with having been one of the gunmen in the quadruple murder recorded in Trujillo, with a specific sentence for murder of no less than 15 years. An anthropometric examination would place him at the scene on the night of the kidnapping. Furthermore, when he was apprehended, explosives and dangerous materials were found on him, an offence that carries between 6 and 15 additional years.
Illegal weapons possession: between 8 and 12 years
Julio Zavaleta Quezada, Ángel Fabricio Bocanegra Linares and César García Rivera face a sentence of between 8 and 12 years for illegal weapons possession. At the time of their detentions, ammunition with characteristics similar to those used in the murder of four people was found on them.
Other detainees and possible concurrent offences
José Miguel Cerrepe Dávila, Roy Peter Bocanegra Aguilar, Roy Bocanegra Marreros and Joyce Bereche Maco are included in the joint charges for criminal organisation and extortionate kidnapping.
The prosecution did not carry out a total summation of the sentences during the hearing. It indicated that, in the course of investigations and the judicial process, it would be determined whether there was a concurrence of real offences—also called material concurrence—which would allow sentences to be aggregated and significantly increase the imprisonment period of the detainees.
Source: Google News PE — Crime