Early this Friday morning, the ninth member of the Weichán Auka Mapu (WAM) organization was arrested in connection with the murder of community member Manuel Huenupil.
This individual is Francisco Javier Pérez Álvarez, whose arrest took place in the municipality of Coronel.
“This marks the ninth person who has been arrested. There are another eight individuals for whom arrest warrants have also been issued (…) We believe it is crucial to apprehend all individuals connected to the organization and specifically to the homicide.”
The detainee was brought before the Carahue Guarantee Court, where his detention control hearing is being held via teleconference.
It is important to note that for this crime, committed in May 2022 in Carahue, eight individuals are currently in custody, all in preventive detention.
Arrest of Ninth Member of Weichán Auka Mapu Organization Linked to Homicide Case
On early Friday morning, a significant development emerged in the ongoing investigations related to the Weichán Auka Mapu (WAM) organization. Authorities confirmed the arrest of Francisco Javier Pérez Álvarez, the ninth individual connected to the high-profile homicide of community member Manuel Huenupil.
The Arrest: Details and Context
The arrest took place in the municipality of Coronel, following a routine road checkpoint operation conducted by law enforcement. According to the regional prosecutor of La Araucanía, Roberto Garrido, Carabineros detected the presence of Pérez Álvarez at the checkpoint and acted upon an existing arrest warrant that linked him to the WAM criminal organization.
Significance of the Arrest
- This marks the ninth arrest associated with the murder of Manuel Huenupil.
- Eight other members of the organization are currently in custody, all under preventive detention.
- The arrests are part of a broader law enforcement effort to dismantle the WAM organization.
Background of the Case
The tragic incident involving Manuel Huenupil occurred in May 2022 in Carahue. The prosecution has emphasized the importance of apprehending all individuals linked to this homicide.
Arrests Made to Date
| No. | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francisco Javier Pérez Álvarez | Arrested |
| 2 | Unnamed Suspect 1 | In Custody |
| 3 | Unnamed Suspect 2 | In Custody |
| 4 | Unnamed Suspect 3 | In Custody |
| 5 | Unnamed Suspect 4 | In Custody |
| 6 | Unnamed Suspect 5 | In Custody |
| 7 | Unnamed Suspect 6 | In Custody |
| 8 | Unnamed Suspect 7 | In Custody |
| 9 | Unnamed Suspect 8 | In Custody |
Statements from Authorities
Prosecutor Roberto Garrido emphasized the importance of these arrests, stating:
“This is the ninth person who has already been arrested. There are another eight people for whom an arrest warrant has also been issued. We consider it very important to achieve the arrest of all individuals linked to the organization and specifically to the crime of homicide.”
The arrested individual has subsequently been placed at the disposal of the Carahue Guarantee Court, where a telematic hearing for detention control is currently underway.
Implications for the Community
The arrests come as a relief to many community members grappling with the implications of organized crime and violence in their neighborhoods. The authorities’ proactive approach serves not just to curb ongoing criminal activities but also to reassure residents that law enforcement is actively tackling these serious threats.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
- Continued investigations to identify additional suspects linked to the homicide.
- Future court hearings for detained suspects, where evidence against them will be presented.
- Ongoing community engagement by law enforcement to improve public safety.
Conclusion
The recent arrest of Francisco Javier Pérez Álvarez represents a critical step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Weichán Auka Mapu organization. With ongoing investigations and a commitment to justice, the authorities aim to restore peace and safety to the communities affected by this tragic crime.
