Magnicidio FV Case: Judge to decide on trial for seven defendants

A judge is currently deliberating whether to proceed to trial against seven defendants in the "Magnicidio FV" case, which centers on the intellectual authorship and financing behind the assassination of former presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. The deliberation phase began Friday, August 14, 2026, after the 20th day of the evaluation and preparatory hearing.

Throughout the hearing, defense teams for the seven accused presented their arguments against the prosecution's indictment. The prosecution, in turn, ratified its accusations, presenting evidence to support the alleged direct involvement of the defendants in the assassination. Following the defense's counter-arguments and requests for the exclusion of evidence, the judge suspended the proceedings to enter the deliberation phase.

The seven individuals facing potential trial are José Serrano, former Minister of the Interior (currently in the U.S.); Ronny Aleaga, former assembly member; Xavier Jordán (in the U.S.); Daniel Salcedo, who is imprisoned for other crimes; Wilmer Chaverra B., known as "Pipo," a leader of the Los Lobos gang; Luis Arboleda, known as "Gordo Luis," another leader of Los Lobos; and Esteban Aguilar, also referred to as Ángel A. M. or "Lobo Menor."

The State Attorney General's Office has requested that all defendants be sent to trial and that extradition procedures be initiated for those located outside the country. The prosecution presented its evidence over 13 days of hearings, detailing its case against the seven accused for their alleged roles in orchestrating the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio. The date for the judge's final resolution has not yet been announced.