Gunmen execute hostel owner in broad daylight

ESMERALDAS, ECUADOR – APRIL 28, 2026 Jefferson Quiñónez Zambrano, approximately 49-year-old hostel owner, was shot dead by armed attackers in the commercial area of the Codesa district. At the time of the attack, he was reportedly having lunch at one of the local establishments, according to local media. After the shooting, he was left dead on the sidewalk while the perpetrators fled the scene. Police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. The motive for the murder and the identities of the attackers have not been released.