El caso del presentador de televisión Efraín Ruales | Criminalista Nocturno

Efraín Ruales: A Tragic Day in Guayaquil

The Morning of January 27, 2021

• Efraín Ruales, a well-known television personality in Ecuador, left his home at 7:20 AM for a day of filming on the show En Contacto .

• He stopped at his gym to greet his girlfriend before departing, unaware it would be his last day alive .

The Incident

• At 7:57 AM, while driving on Guillermo Cubillo Avenue, Ruales was followed by a dark vehicle that ultimately led to tragedy. He was shot multiple times shortly after being intercepted by this vehicle .

• Efraín was only 36 years old and had built a successful career as an actor and presenter known for his charisma and outspoken nature against corruption in Ecuador .

Background and Career

• Born on August 31, 1984, in Guayaquil, Ruales gained fame through various television series and comedic characters. He also played bass in bands like Equilibre and Rock and Ralles .

• Since joining En Contacto in 2012, he became beloved for his spontaneity. His relationship with presenter Alejandra Jaramillo began in January 2020 .

Controversies Surrounding Efraín

• In June 2020, false claims linked him to Daniel Salcedo amid a medical supply scandal; however, the Public Ministry cleared him of any involvement [].

• Despite denials from authorities regarding these rumors, Ruales faced threats which some attributed to his vocal stance against corruption .

The Attack Details

• On the morning of the attack, surveillance footage revealed that the assailants used a stolen Chevrolet Gran Vitara. This vehicle had been seen near the gym prior to the shooting .

• After being shot three times—one fatal—the forensic report indicated immediate death due to massive internal bleeding caused by organ damage .

Investigation Insights

• Initial theories suggested robbery but were dismissed when personal belongings were found untouched. Investigators then explored motives related to threats received by Ruales prior to his death .

• Known for sharing social commentary on social media about corruption during COVID-19 pandemic times, he often expressed concern over unethical wealth accumulation among corrupt individuals .

Efraín Ruales: Reflections on Corruption and Tragic Death

The Impact of Efraín Ruales' Messages

• Efraín Ruales discussed the generational consequences of corruption, stating that if a politician is punished for theft, they lose valuable family time, which he views as a true punishment for those who care.

• His assassination raised questions about whether it was a targeted attack related to his outspoken views on corruption.

Reactions to the Assassination

• The Fundación Andina condemned the crime and demanded accountability from authorities, highlighting the lack of effective protection policies for journalists in Ecuador.

• Many colleagues felt threatened by the incident, realizing that anyone could be next in line for such violence.

Investigation Developments

• Initial investigations revealed three suspects; however, they were later dismissed as leads.

• A public memorial took place with calls for justice from fans and family members amid COVID-related restrictions.

Law Enforcement Actions

• Authorities announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest shortly after the murder.

• Significant progress was made when police conducted simultaneous raids leading to arrests linked to evidence found at crime scenes.

Unraveling Connections Behind the Crime

• Further investigation led to the arrest of Álvaro Cagua Andrade, indicating a more extensive criminal operation behind Ruales' death.

• Authorities discovered potential links between organized crime and previous public denunciations made by Ruales regarding corruption during the pandemic.

Broader Implications of Efraín's Death

• The case suggested involvement from organized crime with hired assassins aiming to eliminate traces of their actions.

• Investigators speculated that motivations behind his murder were tied to his vocal criticisms against powerful figures during critical times in Ecuador's history.

Investigation into Efraín Ruales' Murder

Arrest of Key Suspects

• Just 24 hours after Kaagua's capture, a third suspect named Jaime U, known as Yorky, was arrested. His involvement indicated a larger criminal network.

• Yorky was apprehended in Guayas during an operation between Daule and Lomas de Sargentillo, linking him to the group responsible for the attack on Efraín Ruales.

Alvarito's Confession

• On April 26, Álvaro Cagua Andrade confessed to shooting Efraín Ruales during his statement to the prosecution. He claimed his intention was merely to scare Ruales.

• Investigators were skeptical of this claim due to the number of shots fired, suggesting a more serious motive behind the crime.

Expansion of Criminal Network

• Following Alvarito's confession, seven individuals were processed for their roles in the murder. This included new names that helped reconstruct the planning and execution of the assassination.

• Carlos Mantilla, alias "El Choclo," was identified as a key figure who allegedly ordered Ruales' killing from prison.

Roles and Responsibilities within the Group

• Carla Molina, Casquete’s girlfriend, played a crucial role post-crime by incinerating the getaway vehicle used in the murder.

• Horman Veloz coordinated logistics for the crime and ensured all actions were executed according to plan. Evidence against him included call records linking him to organizational activities.

Legal Proceedings and Sentences

• In October 2021, Yorque's detention was declared illegal due to his age at arrest. Meanwhile, Alvarito and Casquete received lengthy prison sentences for their roles in Ruales' murder.

• The prosecution presented over 90 pieces of evidence during trials but struggled with establishing a clear motive for the crime.

Investigation into Motives Behind Murder

• Some suspects mentioned an individual named Marcelo as an intermediary who allegedly paid Alvarito for executing the attack; however, this claim lacked official confirmation.

• The investigation shifted focus towards potential financial motives linked to corruption cases involving Ruales that may have led to his assassination.

Financial Connections Explored

• Investigators considered whether Ruales’ public denunciations about corruption could have made him targets beyond mere gang-related issues.

• The prosecution gathered financial records from Ruales’ activities between 2018 and 2020 but found no irregularities directly tied to his murder.

This structured summary encapsulates critical developments in Efraín Ruales' murder investigation while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific moments in detail.

Investigation Insights into Ruales' Case

Testimony of Jaramillo Regarding Threats and Contacts

• Jaramillo testified that Ruales was aware of the threats against him and attempted to remain calm, believing it was a campaign of harassment due to his public opinions.

• She revealed that Daniel Salcedo had tried to contact her months before Ruales' murder, sending a gift she ultimately rejected.

• Jaramillo noted that the situation made Ruales uncomfortable, especially since Salcedo frequented the same gym. He allegedly tried to meet her multiple times until warned not to persist.

Public Suspicion and Legal Proceedings

• After the murder, a video surfaced showing Salcedo with two others raising bottles from a brand associated with Ruales, intensifying public suspicion regarding his involvement in the case.

• Although Salcedo's name appeared in legal documents related to corruption and fraud, he has never been formally charged with Ruales' murder; authorities continue focusing on a gang known as "los lagartos" as primary suspects.

Ongoing Questions and Closing Remarks

• The investigation remains unresolved regarding who ordered the crime, leaving significant questions unanswered. The speaker expresses gratitude for audience engagement and encourages following on social media platforms.