Seven alleged members of a criminal gang called “Los Calavera” were brought to trial on Tuesday, September 10, in the case against them for the violent deaths of a doctor and the manager of a hospital in Zone 10, judicial sources reported.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office reported that the Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime managed to get the Court of First Instance for Criminal Matters, Drug Trafficking and Crimes Against the Environment to hear High Risk Group B cases to prosecute seven people, who are accused of being part of the criminal structure called “los Calavera.”
“The Prosecutor’s Office presented sufficient rational evidence with which the following indictments were issued: Carlos David Sil López, linked to criminal proceedings for the crimes of illicit association, murder, extortion, conspiracy to commit murder, active bribery, and violation of sexual privacy; Caroline Rocio Sosa Osorio, linked to proceedings for the crimes of illicit association, murder, extortion, conspiracy to commit murder, and active bribery; and Oswaldo Leonel Morales Chaval, linked to proceedings for the crimes of illicit association, murder, and extortion.
In addition, the MP reported that Iván Alejandro Villegas Samayoa was charged with the crime of murder; Carlos Esteban Pérez Monzón, for the crimes of passive bribery and abuse of authority; Jonathan Xavier Pineda Guzmán, for the crime of disclosure of confidential or reserved information, and Francisco Antonio Díaz Tintí, for the crimes of illicit association and conspiracy.
The Prosecutor’s Office said the case is under seal, but noted that Francisco Antonio Díaz Tintí, Jonathan Xavier Pineda Guzmán and Carlos Estaban Pérez Monzón were placed under alternative measures, while the rest were sent to preventive detention.
The MP was given two months to complete the investigation.
Case details
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According to the MP, the crime against Francisco Alberto Galindo Chacón and Mario Fernando Meza Batres, general manager and doctor of a private hospital in zone 10 of the capital, respectively, would have been carried out by a criminal structure of hitmen called “los Calavera.”
On July 29, the MP reported that the Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime, with the support of the National Civil Police (PNC), carried out 27 search, inspection, registration and seizure of evidence in properties located in Guatemala City and in Mixco and Chinautla.
During these proceedings, seven alleged members of this criminal gang were captured, including a PNC agent.
Hypothesis of the attacks
According to investigations by the MP, the crimes occurred due to “hospital contracts that were not made.”
The MP explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital’s board of directors hired the minibus service to transport its staff. “When it was determined that it was no longer necessary (for the service), the decision was made to kill them, in order to maintain the contract. This service is quite expensive, so the criminal organization did not want to stop receiving that money.”
The prosecutor said that this criminal organization laundered money through the provision of minibus services, which were contracted by the private hospital.
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#members #alleged #criminal #gang #Los #Calavera #brought #trial
Violence in Guatemala 2024
The Rise of “Los Calaveras”: A Criminal Gang Implicated in Violent Crimes in Guatemala
In recent news, seven alleged members of a notorious criminal gang known as “Los Calaveras” were brought to trial on September 10, 2024, in connection with the brutal murders of a doctor and a hospital manager in Zone 10, Guatemala City [[1]]. The Public Prosecutor’s Office presented sufficient evidence to link the individuals to the criminal structure, which is believed to be responsible for the violent deaths of Francisco Alberto Galindo Chacón and Mario Fernando Meza Batres, respectively.
The investigations led by the Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime, in collaboration with the National Civil Police (PNC), resulted in the capture of seven alleged members of “Los Calaveras” on July 29, 2024, during a series of 27 search, inspection, registration, and seizure of evidence operations in properties located in Guatemala City, Mixco, and Chinautla [[2]].
The suspects face various charges, including illicit association, murder, extortion, conspiracy to commit murder, active bribery, violation of sexual privacy, passive bribery, abuse of authority, and disclosure of confidential or reserved information. While the case remains under seal, it is known that three of the suspects were placed under alternative measures, while the others were sent to preventive detention [[3]].
Motives Behind the Attacks
According to the investigations, the murders were allegedly committed due to “hospital contracts that were not made” [[1]]. It is believed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital’s board of directors hired a minibus service to transport its staff. When the service was no longer necessary, the decision was made to kill the hospital manager and doctor to maintain the contract, as the criminal organization stood to lose a significant amount of money.
The prosecutor’s office also suspects that “Los Calaveras” laundered money through the provision of this minibus service.
The Notorious “Los Calaveras”
While “Los Calaveras” has gained notoriety for its alleged involvement in violent crimes, it is not the only entity bearing this name. In Sumpango, Sacatepequez, Guatemala, there exists a location known as “Ciudad de las calaveras” (City of Skulls), which has been featured on Instagram [[4]].
However, the “Los Calaveras” referred to in this article is a criminal gang, distinct from the geographical location. Its members are suspected of committing heinous crimes, and their trial is expected to shed more light on the inner workings of this dangerous organization.
As the investigation continues, the people of Guatemala remain vigilant, hoping for justice to be served and an end to the reign of terror perpetrated by “Los Calaveras.”
Organized crime in Guatemala
Los Calavera: Unraveling the Mystery of the Notorious Criminal Gang in Guatemala
In the heart of Guatemala, a criminal gang known as “Los Calavera” has been making headlines for their alleged involvement in the violent deaths of a doctor and a hospital manager in Zone 10 of the capital. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has brought seven members of the gang to trial, accusing them of being part of the criminal structure called “Los Calavera.” But who are they, and what drives their actions?
The Case Against Los Calavera
The Prosecutor’s Office presented sufficient evidence to issue indictments against seven individuals, including Carlos David Sil López, Caroline Rocio Sosa Osorio, Oswaldo Leonel Morales Chaval, Iván Alejandro Villegas Samayoa, Carlos Esteban Pérez Monzón, Jonathan Xavier Pineda Guzmán, and Francisco Antonio Díaz Tintí. The charges range from illicit association, murder, and extortion to conspiracy, active bribery, and violation of sexual privacy.
Hypothesis of the Attacks
Investigations suggest that the crime against Francisco Alberto Galindo Chacón and Mario Fernando Meza Batres, general manager and doctor of a private hospital in Zone 10, was carried out by Los Calavera as part of a larger criminal structure of hitmen. The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, but it is believed that Los Calavera are involved in organized criminal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion.
Violence in Guatemala 2024
Guatemala has been plagued by violence and crime in recent years, with gangs like Los Calavera contributing to the country’s high crime rate. According to the National Civil Police (PNC), 2024 has seen an increase in violent crimes, including homicides, kidnappings, and extortion cases. The growth of criminal organizations like Los Calavera has led to a surge in violence, making it a pressing concern for law enforcement and citizens alike.
The City of Sumpango and the Festival of Calaveras
Interestingly, Sumpango, a city in Sacatepequez, Guatemala, is home to the Festival of Calaveras, a traditional celebration honoring the dead. The festival features colorful parades, folk dances, and intricate masks, including calaveras, or skulls, which are a symbol of the celebration. [[1]]Despite the vibrant cultural significance of the festival, the city has also been tainted by the presence of criminal gangs, highlighting the contrast between the region’s rich cultural heritage and its darker realities.
Zusolf’s Sombrero Plano de Calavera
In a seemingly unrelated development, a company called Zusolf has released a sombrero plano de calavera, a flat hat featuring a skull design inspired by Guatemalan culture. [[2]]While the product is meant to celebrate the country’s heritage, it raises questions about the commercialization of cultural symbols and the potential glorification of criminal organizations like Los Calavera.
Las Calaveras Zona 3 Barrio El Gallito
In a separate incident, a video on TikTok shows a tragic event in Las Calaveras Zona 3 Barrio El Gallito, where six people were allegedly buried underground, according to reports from bomberos municipales. [[3]]The incident highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and crime in Guatemala, and the need for more effective law enforcement and community engagement.
Conclusion
Los Calavera, the notorious criminal gang, has brought attention to the pressing issue of violence and organized crime in Guatemala. As the country grapples with the consequences of gang violence, it is essential to address the root causes of crime and to work towards creating safer communities. The story of Los Calavera serves as a stark reminder of the need for cooperation between law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and citizens to combat the growth of criminal organizations and to promote a safer, more peaceful Guatemala.
