PIVIJAY, MAGDALENA, COLOMBIA – OCTOBER 11, 2024 Two men were found dead, an event that shocked the entire region. The tragic incident took place on a rural road near the neighboring town of Fundación, close to the La Lucha farm.
The victims were identified as 52-year-old businessman Julio Berrío Duque, known in the region by the nickname “El Mocho,” and his 30-year-old bodyguard Renzo González, originally from Venezuela. Their bodies showed gunshot wounds, suggesting both men were cold-bloodedly executed.
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- Julio Berrío Duque
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- Renzo González
Julio Berrío Duque had been arrested in 2019 for his alleged ties to the now-defunct criminal group “Los Caballeros.” This group was involved in numerous crimes, including eleven murders, extortion, and the illegal sale of adulterated alcohol. Berrío Duque had long been under police surveillance for his involvement in organized crime, which might have played a role in his murder.
Local authorities launched an intensive investigation aimed at identifying the perpetrators and clarifying the motive behind this double murder. The police have not ruled out that the killing could be connected to Berrío Duque’s criminal past or tied to former rivals in the underworld.
Residents of the area are deeply affected and increasingly concerned about the rising crime in the region. Magdalena has historically been plagued by violence and clashes between criminal groups. This case highlights the urgent need to strengthen security measures in the area.
