BTN News: Nine months after the death of Luis Alfredo Garavito, infamously known as the ‘Monster’ or ‘Beast’, Colombia has been struck with new revelations about one of its most notorious criminals. Garavito, who committed heinous crimes against nearly 200 minors in Colombia and Ecuador during the 90s, succumbed to cancer in prison, never having achieved the freedom some rumors had speculated. Despite being incarcerated in the maximum-security prison La Tramacúa in Valledupar, Garavito remained a source of unease for the public, who feared he might be released due to good behavior. However, his death precluded that possibility.
Before his death, Garavito granted his final interview to journalists Kevin Pinzón and Rafael Poveda from the program Testigo Directo. This interview, one of the few Garavito gave in his lifetime, became one of the most revealing insights into his psychology and his crimes. The interview provided a chilling glimpse into Garavito’s mind, where his remarkable clarity and memory, coupled with his coldness and persuasive charm, left a lasting impression on Poveda. Garavito appeared to seek redemption, presenting himself as a reformed individual who now followed the Bible, yet the shadow of his possible early release loomed over the public consciousness.
An unsettling aspect of Garavito’s relationship with the journalists was embodied in a surprising gift: a Bible that the predator had kept for over two decades. Pinzón, who received the Bible, noted that it was an especially significant item for Garavito. Despite having other Bibles over the years, Garavito preserved this particular one and ultimately gifted it to Pinzón. The journalist kept the book until July of this year when he decided to explore its contents on his podcast ‘Conducta delictiva’.
Upon examining the black Bible, Pinzón discovered a series of disturbing annotations made by Garavito. These notes extended beyond biblical verses to include reminders about medications and people. Among the notes were names of individuals Garavito had encountered or held negative opinions about, serving as cues for his journal entries.
Additionally, Pinzón found highlighted paragraphs, phrases, and words within the Bible, particularly those mentioning children or fleshly temptations. A striking example was the passage: “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings…”. This highlighted text underscored the sinister nature of Garavito’s reflections.
The Bible also contained a dedication from Garavito, wishing the journalist success and adding a grim reflection: “The world offers nothing but a path of death”. This final message added another layer of disquiet to the already disturbing revelations about the life and mind of the ‘Monster’.
These new insights into Garavito’s psyche and the contents of the Bible paint a more detailed picture of one of Colombia’s most feared criminals. His ability to manipulate and his attempts at portraying himself as reformed contrast sharply with the gruesome reality of his past. As Colombia continues to process the legacy of Garavito’s crimes, the revelations from his final interview and the disturbing gift he left behind offer a sobering reminder of the depths of his depravity.
By sharing these revelations, journalists Pinzón and Poveda contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Garavito’s character, even in death. The insights gleaned from Garavito’s Bible and his final words are a stark reminder of the enduring impact his crimes have had on Colombia and the importance of vigilance in the face of such profound evil.
