29.07.2025 17:09
25-year-old Esther Gabriela Murillo Cruz, who gained recognition in beauty pageants in Ecuador, lost her life in a cartel attack. Cruz was shot at by two motorcycle-riding assailants while traveling with her partner and their 1-year-old daughter. She was taken to the hospital but could not be saved. The incident occurred in Manabí province, one of the areas where criminal organizations are most active.
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25-year-old Esther Gabriela Murillo Cruz, who gained recognition in beauty pageants in Ecuador, lost her life in a cartel attack that shook the country. The young woman was shot at by two assailants on a motorcycle while traveling with her partner and 1-year-old daughter.
The incident occurred in Manabí province, one of the areas most active with criminal organizations. Murillo Cruz was taken to the hospital with serious injuries but could not be saved despite all efforts. Her partner and baby were also treated for injuries. The police launched a large-scale operation to capture the assailants.
Murillo Cruz won the title of "Queen of Marabi Province" in 2018 and had placed first in three different beauty contests. The death of the young model, who had tens of thousands of followers on social media, caused great sorrow. People called on the government to take more effective measures against crime gangs.
Increasing cartel violence in Ecuador
In recent years, Ecuador has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to the war between drug cartels. The murder rate has increased eightfold since 2018, surpassing 8,000 in 2023. Gangs have taken control of prisons and have begun to instill fear on the streets.
The attacks are not limited to the streets; gangs use brutal methods, such as extracting the hearts of their rivals and sharing them on social media. Corpses hanging from bridges and mass executions have become a common sight.
In January 2024, 781 murders were committed in just one month. Last year, a television studio in Guayaquil was stormed by armed individuals, and the host was threatened with death live on air. In Santa Elena, eight people lost their lives due to gunfire at a birthday party.
Once known as a peaceful country, Ecuador is now referred to as the largest cocaine exporter in South America and the new center of cartel violence.
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