BTN News: In a shocking turn of events, three men, including well-known local rancher Esteban Urueta González, were found brutally murdered in Córdoba, Colombia, after investigating the disappearance of cattle from Urueta’s farm. The tragedy has left the close-knit farming communities in deep sorrow, and the hunt for the perpetrators is ongoing.
The Violent Loss of a Trusted Rancher
On September 12, 2024, Esteban Urueta, a respected rancher in Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba, was found dead after confronting a significant cattle theft on his property. His trusted workers, Fredys Beleño and Gerardo Marzola Coronado, were also killed, in what appears to be a violent ambush. Urueta’s body was found with severe blunt force injuries, while Beleño and Marzola were reportedly incinerated.
This devastating event has left the rural town reeling, with Urueta’s many friends and family mourning the loss of a man described as noble and passionate about his work with garrocha horses in the local corralejas. His passing, alongside his workers, has prompted outcries for justice and safety in these often-overlooked regions.
“I Could Have Been the Fourth Victim”
Alejandro Cáliz Contreras, known locally as ‘El Pigüa’, narrowly escaped being another victim in this tragic incident. A lifelong friend and compadre of Urueta, Cáliz revealed that Urueta had invited him to accompany him to his farm to investigate the cattle theft. Cáliz declined due to prior commitments in El Difícil, Magdalena. Reflecting on the gruesome deaths, Cáliz expressed his grief, admitting that he could have easily been the fourth casualty:
“If I had gone with him, I might not be here today. I’ve cried a lot over this. My compadre didn’t deserve to die like this.”
The Betrayal Behind the Murders
The tragedy deepened as it was revealed that Cristian Petro Almanza, Urueta’s trusted right-hand man, is the prime suspect behind the murders. Once regarded as a close friend and manager of Urueta’s farm, Petro was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including managing the farm’s operations and finances.
Cáliz shared that Urueta had confided in him about growing concerns over missing cattle but had stopped short of directly accusing Petro. It was only after the murders that Cristian Petro Almanza and his alleged accomplice, Juan Fernando Soto Garcés, disappeared, raising strong suspicions about their involvement. Both men are currently wanted by the authorities.
Longstanding Bonds in the Corralejas
Urueta’s connection to Alejandro Cáliz dates back many years to their shared love of corralejas, a traditional festival in the region involving bullfighting and horse riding. Cáliz, an experienced garrochero, described their friendship and how Urueta was deeply embedded in this world. Their bond was so close that Urueta became the godfather of Cáliz’s daughter.
“He was always passionate about the horses and the corralejas. He was a serious and noble man,” Cáliz said, choking back tears as he remembered his compadre.
A Community in Mourning
The murders have sent shockwaves through the local community. Sincelejo, Urueta’s hometown, saw hundreds of mourners gather to pay their respects at his funeral in Jardines de La Esperanza. Meanwhile, Gerardo Marzola was laid to rest in Pueblo Nuevo, Córdoba, and Beleño’s family awaits the release of his remains for burial in Sincelejo.
The death of three well-known and respected men has left their families and friends devastated. Many are now calling for justice and demanding answers from the authorities.
Call for Justice
Local authorities have launched a full investigation into the murders, with the primary focus on capturing Cristian Petro Almanza and Juan Fernando Soto Garcés. These suspects remain at large, adding to the tension and fears among the residents of Ciénaga de Oro and surrounding areas.
As the investigation unfolds, residents are hoping for swift justice for Urueta and his workers. Alejandro Cáliz and others close to the victims have urged the government to prioritize rural security, fearing further violent incidents tied to growing criminal activity in the region.
The Dark Reality of Rural Violence
The tragic deaths of Esteban Urueta González, Fredys Beleño, and Gerardo Marzola highlight the dangers faced by those living and working in Colombia’s rural areas, where cattle theft and organized crime are on the rise.
This devastating event has shed light on the vulnerabilities within these farming communities, with many now questioning how such a betrayal could happen so close to home.
Conclusion: A Tragic Loss and the Pursuit of Justice
The murder of Esteban Urueta and his workers in Córdoba is a stark reminder of the fragility of life in Colombia’s countryside. Betrayed by someone he trusted, Urueta’s legacy now lies in the hands of law enforcement as they seek justice for his family and friends.
