Ecuadorian prosecutor Ana Hidalgo requested trial and extradition for four suspects in the August 9, 2023 assassination of politician Fernando Villavicencio on Saturday.
Hidalgo, representing the State General Attorney's Office, finished reading her accusatory indictment shortly before 5:00 p.m. during a preparatory trial hearing. The hearing was presided over by Judge Giovanny Freire of the Pichincha Criminal Judicial Unit. Hidalgo accused seven individuals of being masterminds behind the murder under items 9 and 10 of Article 140 of the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code.
The prosecutor asked the court to maintain pre-trial detention for three suspects currently held at Cárcel del Encuentro in Santa Elena. They include Daniel Salcedo, who has been sentenced in other corruption cases, as well as Esteban Aguilar, known as Lobo Menor, and Carlos Arboleda, known as Gordo Luis, both leaders of the organized crime group Los Lobos.
Fugitive Status and Extradition
For the remaining four suspects, Hidalgo requested that Judge Freire declare them fugitives from justice and issue Interpol red notices. She asked for extradition proceedings to begin if the judge decides to send them to trial for the contract killing.
According to public information cited in court, former Minister of Government José Serrano under Rafael Correa and Metástasis case suspect Xavier Jordán are located in the United States. Former Revolución Ciudadana assembly member Ronny Aleaga is reportedly in Venezuela, and Los Lobos leader Wilmer Chavarría, known as Pipo, is in Spain.
Trial Decision Pending
Judge Freire suspended the proceedings following Hidalgo's presentation. The hearing is scheduled to resume on Sunday to hear arguments from lawyers representing private accusers.
The court will later hear defense attorneys before Judge Freire decides whether to order all seven suspects to trial.
