CARAZ, ANCASH, PERU – SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 Susy Aponte Polo, known as “La China Polo,” was shot and killed during an election campaign. The 44-year-old journalist and candidate for governor of the Áncash region was near a local market when, according to investigators, an armed man approached her and shot her in the head. Five other people were also injured.
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- Susy Aponte Polo 1
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- Susy Aponte Polo 2
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- Susy Aponte Polo 3
Police arrested Luis Iván Obispo Díaz shortly after the attack. According to various reports, he is 30 or 32 years old. A firearm was found in his possession and is being examined as part of the investigation. Ronald José Toro Artila, 29, was later arrested as well. He is suspected of helping transport the alleged shooter.
Peru’s prosecutors are investigating the case as a suspected contract killing (sicariato). According to the prosecutor, a total of three people have been arrested, including a person suspected of financing the attack. Investigators are now trying to determine who ordered the killing and what the motive was.
Before her death, Aponte Polo publicly spoke about threats and claimed that she had been threatened with an assassination attempt. Among other things, she covered crime and corruption in Áncash. However, her allegations concerning specific individuals who may have been behind the attack have not yet been confirmed by the investigation.
