Latest News

Alias "Lobo Menor" was arrested in Bogotá while connecting on a commercial flight from Mexico. Photo: Migración Colombia

Colombia arrests “mastermind” of Ecuador candidate Villavicencio’s murder

By The City Paper Staff - March 18, 2026

Colombian authorities on Wednesday arrested Ángel Esteban Aguilar Morales, alias “Lobo Menor”, an alleged senior figure in the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Lobos and suspected intellectual author behind the 2023 assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. The arrest took place at El Dorado International Airport, where Aguilar Morales arrived on a commercial flight from […]

Galán’s security gambit: Mega police raids take to Bogotá streets

By Richard Emblin - April 29, 2024

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán is spearheading mega police raids targeting organized crime in the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods amidst rising concerns over rampant insecurity.

Poulos admits killing Colombia’s Valentina Trespalacios in detailed confession

By The City Paper Staff - March 6, 2024

American citizen John Poulos has confessed to the murder of Colombian DJ Valentina Trespalacios during a sexual encounter, with chilling details revealed during his defense hearing.

US Embassy warns foreigners of using Dating Apps in Colombia

By The City Paper Staff - January 12, 2024

With a surge in recent arrests and tragic deaths, and US Embassy in Colombia has issued an emergency alert for foreigners using dating apps in the country.

Front Line vandals and violent leftists target Bogotá ahead of mayoral elections

By Richard Emblin - September 11, 2023

Political violence and attacks by First Line vandals raise concerns as the Bogotá mayoral elections approach. On saturday, the First Line attempted to torch a police command post.

John Poulos maintains “innocence” in murder case of Bogotá DJ

By Richard Emblin - September 8, 2023

John Poulos maintains his “innocence” in the chilling murder case of 21-year-old DJ Valentina Trespalacios. Poulos was arrested on January 24 after fleeing the country to Panama.

John Poulos faces prison during indictment for murder of Bogotá DJ

By The City Paper Staff - February 1, 2023

US suspect John Poulos has been formally indicted in murder of Bogotá DJ Valentina Trespalacios and faces prison as a “cautionary measure” until his trial.

Murder suspect John Poulos claims “legal rights not facilitated”

By The City Paper Staff - January 31, 2023

US murder suspect John Poulos claims his legal rights in Colombia have not been respected, and warns visitors of the country’s legal system. Poulos is the only suspect charged in the murder of Bogotá DJ Valentina Trespalacios.

John Poulos rejects “guilty” plea in murder of Bogotá DJ

By Richard Emblin - January 28, 2023

US suspect John Poulos denied a “guilty” plea during an arraignment before a district judge in Bogotá on charges of murdering the well-known Bogotá DJ Valentina Trespalacios.

Murder suspect John Poulos escorted by Interpol from Panama to Colombia. Photo: Policia Nacional

John Poulos to face Colombian justice in murder of Bogotá DJ

By The City Paper Staff - January 26, 2023

The lead suspect in the murder of the 23-year-old Bogotá DJ, Valentina Trespalacios, is back in Colombia after attempting to flee the country hours before her body was found in a dumpster.

Mayor Claudia López calls for citizens to reject early release of prisoner. Photo: Alcaldía de Bogotá

Bogotá’s Claudia López calls for citizens to reject Petro’s prisoner pardons

By The City Paper Staff - January 25, 2023

Mayor Claudia López has summoned all residents of Bogotá to sign an official petition directed at President Gustavo Petro, Minister of Justice Nestor Iván Osuna, and Congress, to stop the early release of 6,895 prisoners being held in district jails.

Bogotá DJ Valentina Trespalacios. Personal Archive.

US citizen lead suspect in macabre murder of Bogotá DJ

By The City Paper Staff - January 24, 2023

Colombia’s immigration entity, Migración Colombia, believes Poulos left the country on Sunday by taking a flight to Central America. Poulos’ quick departure indicates that the 33-year-old resident of Texas, is avoiding contact with Colombian law enforcement.