César Alfredo Cedeño Muentes, also known by his alias 'Trance', was shot dead during an armed attack on March 19th on the Portoviejo-Manta road. The police had designated him as a high-value target due to his connections with Los Lobos, a significant criminal organization operating in Ecuador. The attack reportedly involved armed assailants who intercepted two people and opened fire multiple times, resulting in Trance's fatal injuries.

Authorities indicated that Trance was closely tied to another criminal figure known as 'Mexicano', who is suspected to lead the Lobos faction in Manta. This relationship highlights the interconnected nature of criminal networks in Ecuador, where gang-related violence has escalated in recent years. The police's prior surveillance and targeting of Trance suggest a challenging environment for law enforcement, facing well-established and violent groups like Los Lobos.

Additionally, the incident resulted in the death of Cristofer Alejandro Parrales Chila, a bus official who was inadvertently caught in the crossfire. This incident further underlines the public safety crisis that accompanies gang violence in urban areas of Ecuador, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and the effectiveness of police action against organized crime.