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Alleged hitman in Bolivia attack surrenders, claims innocence

Alleged hitman in Bolivia attack surrenders, claims innocence

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Colombian man, Hugo Castaño Zapata, surrendered to Bolivian authorities, denying involvement in the shooting of Nadia Beller, partner of Fernando Cerimedo.
  • Castaño Zapata claims he was wrongly accused and was at his restaurant job when the attack occurred.
  • His sister defended him, stating he is a merchant and not a hitman, urging for a thorough investigation.

A Colombian man identified as Hugo Castaño Zapata surrendered to Bolivian police on Saturday, vehemently denying accusations that he was the hitman who shot Nadia Beller, the partner of Fernando Cerimedo. Beller was attacked on August 17 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra by two individuals disguised as delivery workers.

"They are blaming me for something I didn't do. They say I'm the hitman, but I'm surrendering because I know nothing about it," Castaño Zapata told local media outside a police station, accompanied by his distressed sister. He also denied knowing Roger Aguilera, a man allegedly linked to providing weapons in Santa Cruz.

Castaño Zapata stated he works at his sister's restaurant and was at home at the time of the attack. His sister corroborated his alibi, asserting his innocence and urging authorities to investigate properly. She described him as a merchant, not a gunman, and expressed confidence that he could prove his whereabouts.

Police took Castaño Zapata into custody as he pleaded for clarification and help, while his sister continued to defend him, emphasizing his business background and the need for a proper investigation.

No lo conozco, no sé quién es ese señor. Estaba mirando las noticias y me están inculpando...

— Hugo Castaño ZapataResponding to questions about Roger Aguilera, a man allegedly involved in providing weapons.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.