In the context of growing violence in Latin America, a community in Guamote, in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador, took justice into their own hands by burning alive an alleged thief. Alarming images of the event spread and went viral on social networks, creating uproar and debate.
The man, 23, allegedly threatened and extorted local businessmen and residents. This indigenous community, which always followed its own rules and laws, made the decision with the consent of the individual. The act happened on Monday night, October 9, and the authorities were not alerted to the incident until the next day.
On Tuesday morning, police found the man’s body in a vacant lot, amid what appeared to be an extinguished fire. Chilling details show that his hands are tied and a stone is next to him. Roberto Cayambe, the prosecutor in charge, indicated that it was a homicide. The preliminary investigation showed that the deceased, who is from the community of Babahoyo, arrived in Guamote on Saturday, October 7, accompanied by another person, and the two allegedly stole and threatened businessmen.
According to sources, after allegedly stealing a truck, the youth was caught by people who made him walk barefoot through the streets of Guamote, before being presented to an assembly composed of many residents. Local reports, like that of Ecuavisa, mention that he was brutally beaten with whips before being burned alive.
So far, no arrests have been reported in connection with this tragedy. The body was brought to the morgue in Riobamba, waiting for the relatives of the deceased to claim it. It should be remembered that, according to the police, the subject has no criminal record.
