Brother of Ecuadorian crime boss 'Fito' assassinated in Santa Elena home invasion

David Gabriel Macías Villamar, 35, the brother of prominent Ecuadorian crime figure José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias ‘Fito’, was killed in a targeted attack at his home in Santa Elena province. The assassination occurred around 12:40 AM on Sunday, July 12, 2026, when armed assailants, dressed as police officers, breached a residential complex in the Olón commune.

Witnesses reported hearing over 20 gunshots, causing immediate alarm. According to initial investigations, the attackers subdued security guards before proceeding directly to Macías Villamar's residence. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. The assailants fled in a gray Kia vehicle.

Intelligence sources identify the victim as alias ‘David’, a regional leader within Los Choneros, the organization previously led by ‘Fito’ before his June arrest and extradition to the United States. Preliminary investigations suggest ‘David’ exerted significant influence over illicit activities in Manabí province and allegedly interfered with operations at the Jipijapa detention center. Another brother, Ronald Javier Macías Villamar, known as ‘Javi’ and also a reported Los Choneros leader, was arrested in Colombia in June.