Ecuador court sentences man to 34 years for murder of influencer Cristhian Nieto

A court in Manta, Ecuador, has handed down a 34-year and 8-month prison sentence to Edward Enrique Mero Parra. He was found guilty as the indirect perpetrator in the murders of assemblyman and influencer Cristhian Nieto, his wife Nicole Burgos, and an assistant.

The brutal attack took place on the night of June 2, 2024, in the La Poza sector of Manta. The violence erupted during a circus show that was being broadcast live on social media. Armed assailants entered the venue and opened fire with rifles on Cristhian Nieto, known as ‘Cristhian Rescata,’ and his wife Nicole Burgos, known as ‘Soy Pipo.’ Both died at the scene, leaving their children orphaned. A digital communicator was wounded in the arm, and an assistant also lost their life due to stray bullets.

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The cancer has spread, metastasised into his bones and further. It's very painful, and it's very debilitating in many respects, but he's still out there. He's still doing his thing...he so believes in this country.

The Attorney General's Office established Mero Parra's responsibility in planning the attack. Key evidence included a video showing the defendant giving directions to precisely locate the victim before the shooting. Mero Parra was apprehended nine months later in Manta after surviving a shootout in the El Murciélago sector, which resulted in the death of a Colombian national. While seeking treatment at a hospital, he was identified by National Police, who executed an existing arrest warrant.

Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including the video, which demonstrated Mero Parra's role in orchestrating the attack. The court's decision reflects the gravity of the crime and the prosecution's success in proving his involvement in the planning stages of the murders.

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It's really, really hard, and it's really sad to watch.