On the night of February 23, in Huaquillas, Ecuador, a couple was tragically attacked while having dinner at a grill restaurant. Jenifer Karen Camacho Merchán, who was 38 weeks pregnant, was shot and died hours later, despite efforts by medical personnel to save her and her unborn child. Her husband, William Patricio Chaluiza Vega, was also killed in the incident, which unfolded in front of their family during what should have been a quiet evening.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as a male assailant entered the restaurant and opened fire on William, targeting him specifically before fleeing the scene. Jenifer was severely injured in the attack and was rushed first to the local hospital in Huaquillas and later transferred to the maternity ward in Santa Rosa, where doctors worked diligently to save her baby. Despite their challenges, the newborn was reported to have survived the harrowing experience.

This incident highlights the ongoing violence in certain areas of Ecuador, raising concerns about public safety and the need for greater protective measures for civilians. As families mourn the loss of Jenifer and William, the community grapples with the implications of such violent acts and the impact they have on societal stability. The surviving infant, while a miraculous outcome, serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded and the urgent need for addressing crime and violence in the region.