On February 21, a violent incident occurred in Machala, Ecuador, when José Eduardo Macías Sernaque, aged 33, was shot and killed while stopped at a traffic light. The attack happened on the Madero Vargas Avenue, where the victim had been conversing with a woman at the time of the shooting. The police reported that the incident took place around 11:30 AM, highlighting the growing concerns regarding public safety in this urban area.

According to the police, two assailants approached Macías on a red Ranger motorcycle. One of the individuals dismounted and fired multiple shots directly at Macías, resulting in his fatal injuries as he fell onto the street next to his motorcycle. This assault has raised alarm among local residents, prompting an investigation by Dinased, the National Directorate for Research of Crimes Against Life, indicating a targeted killing rather than a random act of violence.

This tragic event emphasizes the ongoing issues of crime and public safety in Ecuador, particularly in urban settings like Machala. The authorities are now tasked with investigating the motives behind the attack and ensuring the safety of citizens in light of such brazen acts of violence in public spaces. The community is shocked and calls for more stringent measures to combat crime and improve security.