Cristian Gonzalo V. L. tells his version of events with Lizeth Bunshi in Machángara

Cristian Gonzalo V. L., the last person seen with Lizeth Bunshi before her disappearance on July 18, 2026, in Quito, has provided his account to investigators. The case is part of a broader investigation into disappearances in the capital.

According to Santiago Sarango, the family's lawyer, Lizeth left her home with her boyfriend that Saturday and met friends at a bar, where Cristian was also present. After Lizeth's boyfriend departed, she remained with Cristian. Their journey, as recounted by Cristian and relayed by Sarango, took them from the Puente Nueve area in the Los Chillos valley to a pool in San Roque, and then by taxi to the Cumandá roundabout.

Cristian claims he and Lizeth had no money for the taxi fare, and the driver left them at the roundabout. Security camera footage from a nearby residence shows the two entering the Machángara ravine area, with Cristian later seen exiting alone. Cristian's version states Lizeth fell into the ravine, taking their cell phones with her, and that he left to find assistance.

However, two homeless individuals residing in a ravine that leads to the Machángara River provided conflicting testimony. They reported hearing an argument between a young woman and Cristian Gonzalo V. L. on Sunday, July 19. The witnesses stated the woman was asking for help while Cristian, seemingly intoxicated, dragged her towards a slope. They then heard a cry for help followed by silence and observed Cristian leaving the ravine. He reportedly told them his friend had fallen into the river, and they advised him to call the police.

Based on the security footage and witness testimonies, prosecutors have filed charges against Cristian Gonzalo V. L. for the alleged crime of involuntary disappearance.