Targeted Shooting at Santa Elena Party Kills Three, Wounds Three

A violent attack at a social gathering in Santa Elena, Ecuador, early Sunday morning resulted in three fatalities and three injuries, according to preliminary reports from authorities.

The incident took place around 6:45 a.m. in the Velasco Ibarra sector. Armed assailants reportedly stormed a residence where approximately ten individuals were attending a party that began Saturday night. The attackers opened fire on the attendees before fleeing the scene.

Two men died instantly from their wounds at the location. Four other individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Sadly, one of the hospitalized women later died, bringing the total death toll to three.

National Police have secured the area to collect ballistic evidence and gather testimonies as they launch an investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the attack. Videos circulating on local media show one of the injured being rushed to a hospital in the back of a police truck.

This latest act of violence brings the total number of violent deaths in Santa Elena province to 97 so far in 2026, underscoring a significant deterioration in security. The province's situation mirrors a national trend marked by the expansion of organized crime and a surge in homicides across various regions of Ecuador.