EspañolSo far Ecuadorian police have arrested five people suspected in the murder of Walker Vera, the elected mayor of Muisne in Esmeraldas. He was found dead last Sunday, according to the Ministry of Interior. Police then arrested three suspects on Wednesday in a series of six raids.
Vera, Alianza País (AP) party’s candidate, had denounced corruption in Muisne’s town council during his campaign, and claimed to have received death threats. He died of five gunshots to the head, arm, and back, received while driving.
President Correa, who belongs to incumbent AP, condemned the murder. “We will not allow violence to reign. The good guys will win the day. A fraternal embrace to the family of our colleague Vera Walker and Esmeraldas,” the head of state said on Monday via his Twitter account.
Five of the raided houses are owned by a senior Muisnes municipality official, known as “Paul V,” who remains in custody since Tuesday. The police found a text message in his cellphone saying he would not allow Vera to be sworn in. Investigators also detained on Tuesday a Colombian man they believe was the perpetrator of the crime.
Source: Fuente: La Hora, Ecuavisa, Latin American Herald Tribune.