Father Sentenced to 26 Years for Shooting and Killing Teenage Son in Ecuador

A court in Orellana province has sentenced Arturo Alfonso A. A. to 26 years in prison for the murder of his 17-year-old son. The fatal incident occurred on October 8, 2023, in the San Luis parish of Francisco de Orellana, during a period when both father and son were consuming alcohol.

During the trial, the State Prosecutor's Office successfully countered the defense's claim of an accidental death. Scientific evidence, including ballistic analysis and an autopsy, revealed the shot was fired from a distance of three to five meters, with a trajectory from top to bottom. This evidence convinced the court that the act was a direct attack, not a result of a struggle, leading to the victim's fatal internal injuries and hemorrhage.

Arturo Alfonso A. A. evaded capture for nearly two years after fleeing the scene, only being apprehended on June 23, 2025. This prolonged fugitive status was a significant factor in the court's sentencing. In addition to the prison term, the court mandated a fine equivalent to 1,000 unified basic salaries (approximately $482,000) and $20,000 in reparations for the victim's family.

Key testimonies from police officers and documentary evidence were crucial in establishing the facts of the case. This was particularly important given that the victim's mother initially provided a different account on the night of the incident, suggesting her son was trying to protect her from an attack.