Man convicted of killing Peruvian cumbia singer sentenced to 35 years in prison

The man convicted of firing the shots that killed Peruvian cumbia singer Paul Flores has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, bringing a major case linked to extortion against the country’s music scene to court.

The Penal Collegiate Court of Lima Este found Pierre Ángel Panduro Verástegui, known as “El Italiano,” responsible for the shooting attack on the bus carrying Armonía 10 during the early hours of March 16, 2025. Flores, a singer with the popular northern Peruvian orchestra, died in the attack.

The court also sentenced Jorge Reyes Miranda, Edwin Acosta Jaramillo, Mariano Altamirano Ramos and Ángelo Velásquez Moreno to between 15 and 16 years in prison. The five defendants were convicted as co-perpetrators of aggravated homicide, according to the advance ruling read by the panel. The full decision is due to be released on Sept. 16.

Velásquez Moreno, known as “El Narizón,” was involved in carrying out the attack. Acosta Jaramillo was convicted for his participation in the killing, while Reyes Miranda served as the driver of the vehicle used by the attackers. The defendants must also pay 379,000 soles, or about $113,000, to Flores’ heirs.

The attack on Armonía 10 sparked widespread anger in Peru’s artistic community. Musicians said criminal extortion gangs demanded large sums before performances. Flores’ death also became a turning point during the government of President Dina Boluarte, amid high insecurity in Lima and other cities. The government declared states of emergency in several capital districts, allowing the national police to receive support from the armed forces.