On February 5th, a double murder occurred in Urdesa Norte, Ecuador, claiming the lives of Jonathan Andrés Merchán Andino, a local accountant, and Trevor John Harding Borja, a businessman. The incident drew significant attention from law enforcement, leading to the capture of three suspects—a woman and two men—who are believed to be connected to the vehicles used during the crime. According to police chief Walter Villarroel, the suspects had access to a high-end Toyota Fortuner and a white motorcycle, which were involved in the execution of the attack.

The police investigation has revealed that the attack was executed in a planned manner, as evidenced by video footage showing the suspects blocking the victims' vehicle with the Toyota Fortuner. Community members are left in shock over the brutality of the crime, raising concerns about public safety and the prevalence of gang violence in the area. Authorities are now under pressure to address these concerns and to improve security measures in Urdesa Norte to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This case highlights the rising violence linked to organized crime in Ecuador, as local law enforcement grapples with the challenge of maintaining order amid increasing gang activity. The decision of the judge to apply alternative measures for one of the suspects continues to stir debate regarding the effectiveness of the legal system in dealing with violent crimes and ensuring justice for the victims' families.