Hitman Claims Governor Ordered Journalist’s Murder
Imprisoned assassin demands payment, implicates top officials in Colombia.
A hitman imprisoned for the murder of journalist Jaime Vásquez is demanding payment for the crime, threatening to implicate a governor and mayor if he isn’t compensated. Audio recordings reveal the hitman’s demands and threats.
Accusations Against Officials
José Alejandro Arias Alejos, alias ‘El lame’ (The Lame), has accused the governor of Norte de Santander, William Villamizar Laguado, the mayor of Cúcuta, Jorge Enrique Acevedo Peñaloza, and Julio César Casas of ordering the murder. Casas is already imprisoned for sexual exploitation of minors.
Hitman’s Demands
Arias contacted his public defender requesting assistance in collecting 600 million pesos (approximately $150,000 USD) allegedly owed to him for assassinating Vásquez. The Prosecutor’s Office has copies of 14 voice messages where Arias pressures his lawyer to act as an intermediary.
Threats and Gang Ties
In the audio messages, Arias threatens Julio César Casas. He also mentions contact with the ‘Aragua Train’ gang, suggesting they could target the mayor and governor if payment isn’t made. These messages reveal a dangerous escalation in the case.
Details of the Murder
Jaime Vásquez was killed in Cúcuta after leaving Mass. Security cameras captured the crime, revealing the hitman’s limp and left-handedness, which led to the capture of José Alejandro Arias Alejos within 48 hours.
Investigation Details
Jaime Vásquez anticipated potential danger, leaving behind two copies of an unfinished investigation related to a paralyzed extinction of dominance case against William Villamizar and his associates. This investigation highlights the sensitive nature of Vásquez’s work.
Legal Fallout
The Ombudsman’s Office has terminated José Alejandro Arias’s public defense representation due to his conduct. The accusations against William Villamizar, Jorge Enrique Acevedo, and Julio César Casas have been reported to the Prosecutor’s Office, prompting further investigation.
Increased Risks for Journalists
According to a recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, Colombia remains a dangerous country for journalists, with ongoing threats and violence impacting freedom of the press (CPJ 2024). The case of Jaime Vásquez exemplifies these risks.
Audio Evidence
Listeners can hear the audio messages detailing the hitman’s demands and threats.
Aftermath
The unfolding developments have prompted serious concerns about corruption and impunity in Norte de Santander. The investigation continues, with the potential to reveal deeper connections between organized crime and political figures.
