Restaurant owner assassinated after refusing to pay extortion fees

GUAYAS, ECUADOR – JANUARY 28, 2026 42-year-old businessman and restaurant owner, Edwin Alfredo Murillo López, was assassinated by two hitmen on a motorcycle. They surprised him while he was standing with his motorcycle at an intersection waiting for the traffic light to turn green. Eight shots were fired at the scene, and Edwin died at the spot. The killers fled the scene.

Edwin Alfredo Murillo López

The victim’s wife stated that she is sure an extortion criminal organization was involved. She confided that a few days before the murder, unknown individuals came to his establishment and began to extort him. They demanded an amount equivalent to 200 dollars per week for “protection.” Edwin firmly refused.