On February 25, the defense teams of Edwin Angulo, alias 'Invisible'; Laura Castillo, alias 'Flaca'; Erick Ramírez; and Colombian Victor Alfonso Flóres are set to appear before a Penal Tribunal of the Pichincha Court to discuss their appeal against the first-level death sentence they received as direct perpetrators of the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio from the Construye-Gente Buena alliance. This court session is significant as it marks two and a half years since the tragic crime took place, and just over a year since five other individuals were convicted as indirect authors, co-conspirators, and accomplices in this contract-style assassination that occurred shortly after a campaign event on August 9, 2023.

The assassination happened as Villavicencio was exiting the event to enter a non-armored vehicle when he was shot multiple times with a rifle. The incident has drawn considerable public attention, underscoring the ongoing issues of political violence and insecurity in Ecuador, particularly during an electoral period. The repeated cycle of appeals and legal proceedings reflects the challenges within the judicial system as it navigates such high-profile and politically sensitive cases, highlighting the need for public confidence in legal outcomes.

As the appeals process unfolds, it raises broader questions about security measures for electoral candidates in the face of increasing violence and the potential repercussions on future political participation in Ecuador. The case has not only captivated the nation but has also shed light on the broader societal issues regarding crime and governance, as citizens watch closely how the justice system addresses such grave acts of violence against public figures.