Suspect jailed for firearm possession in case of girl killed in bakery shooting
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A two-year-old girl, Celeste Valentina Osorio Duque, died after being shot in the head during an armed attack at a bakery in Polonuevo, Atlántico, Colombia.
- Authorities have identified a suspect linked to the attack and apprehended him in Barranquilla as he attempted to flee.
- The suspect was sent to jail, but the charges are currently for illegal possession of a firearm, not directly for the child's murder, as investigations continue.
A two-year-old girl, Celeste Valentina Osorio Duque, tragically lost her life after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to the head during an armed assault at the Panadería Santander in Polonuevo, Atlántico, Colombia. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 19, when unknown assailants fired shots into the family-run establishment.
Following the attack, the child was rushed to a medical facility, but she was pronounced dead upon arrival. The violent act has deeply shocked the residents of the Atlántico department.
In a swift response, investigators identified and apprehended a suspect within 72 hours of the murder. The governor of Atlántico, Eduardo Verano, reported that the individual was captured in Barranquilla while attempting to purchase a bus ticket to flee to Bogotá. Verano commended the collaborative efforts of the Atlántico Police and the Prosecutor's Office, highlighting the use of security camera footage and intelligence gathering in locating the suspect.
"We have our hearts broken by this vile murder. An innocent child fell victim to the criminal violence that causes so much harm to our country," stated Verano, expressing his outrage.
However, the legal situation for the detained suspect has taken a specific turn. The Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the individual has been placed under a custodial sentence. Crucially, this measure is not directly related to the murder of Celeste Osorio. Sources within the investigative entity clarified that while the suspect is indeed linked to the case of the girl Celeste, the current charges are for another offense. The individual was found carrying a firearm without the necessary permits at the time of his arrest, and the pre-trial detention is solely for this charge of illegal firearm possession. Formal charges for the homicide are still pending.
No obstante, le decisión judicial no corresponde de forma directa al crimen de la menor.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.