Who are the seven accused in the murder of Fernando Villavicencio, according to Ecuador's Fiscalía?

Ecuador's Fiscalía General (Attorney General's Office) is continuing its presentation of evidence against seven individuals accused in the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. During a preparatory hearing for the trial, the prosecution detailed the alleged roles of each defendant within a structure believed to have planned, financed, coordinated, and executed the murder.

Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated on August 9, 2023, shortly after leaving a political rally in Quito, just eleven days before early presidential elections. In July 2024, five individuals were convicted as the material perpetrators of the crime. Several other implicated individuals have died since, either during confrontations or while in custody.

The ongoing investigation focuses on identifying the masterminds and financiers behind the assassination. The prosecution's theory, presented during this preparatory phase, aims to establish the guilt of seven alleged indirect perpetrators. Among those accused are a former Minister of the Interior, a former assembly member, businessmen involved in other judicial cases, and alleged members of the criminal organization "Los Lobos."

The Fiscalía alleges that Xavier Jordán acted as the alleged instigator and decision-maker, financing and planning the assassination, and maintaining links with other prominent figures. Former Interior Minister José Serrano is accused of being a planner, providing sensitive information about Villavicencio to Daniel Salcedo, who then allegedly passed it to "Los Lobos." Former assembly member Ronny Aleaga is identified as a "political-criminal articulator," coordinating communications and actions between the various parties involved. Daniel Salcedo is described as the logistical facilitator and criminal nexus, connecting the alleged masterminds with "Los Lobos" and providing financial and logistical support.