In a closed hearing this Wednesday, August 27, the minor who shot the senator and presidential candidate, Miguel Uribe Turbay, was sentenced while he was at a political event in El Golfito Park, in the Modelia neighborhood, western Bogotá.
After the sentencing was announced, attorney Víctor Mosquera Marín, who represents the congressman's family, questioned the benefits the law grants to minors who participate in these types of criminal acts.
Although it is one of the highest penalties (seven years of imprisonment), the jurist assures that the Law on Children and Adolescents “encourages crime to use minors without real and effective punishment.”
He also claimed that although he respects the 84-month sentence imposed by the court, he does not share it due to the harm caused to the children, wife, siblings, and father of the presidential candidate, who died on August 11.
"That sanction never compares to the life that was taken or the pain caused," stated the criminal lawyer through his account on X.
Sources close to the case indicated that the Uribe Turbay family's attorney filed an appeal against the first-instance ruling.
The sentence was issued after the minor, who was arrested after shooting the senator twice, admitted his participation in the charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of weapons.
“The decision specifies that the minor must remain deprived of liberty for seven years in a specialized care center", the investigative body stated in a press release.
The investigation revealed that the minor was contacted and convinced to carry out the armed attack against the Democratic Center senator.
Thus, last Saturday, June 7, he was summoned to the Modelia neighborhood in the town of Fontibón and, aboard a car driven by Carlos Eduardo Mora González, received a 9mm Glock pistol from Elder José Arteaga Hernández, known by the alias Chipi or El Costeño.
Shortly after, he got out of the vehicle, walked to El Golfito Park where Miguel Uribe Turbay was participating in a political rally, joined the group of people, approached the victim, drew his weapon and shot him twice.
In the midst of his escape attempt through the streets of the area, the teenager was intercepted by members of the candidate's security detail and a group of citizens.
During the arraignment hearing held on August 4, the young man pleaded guilty to attempted homicide and manufacturing, trafficking, carrying, or possessing firearms, accessories, parts, or ammunition.
Despite the tragic event, the Attorney General's Office did not add the crime of aggravated homicide.
Who are the other suspects arrested in the attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay?
To date, six people are being held in custody amid investigations into the logistics and planning of the attack.
- Carlos Eduardo Mora González: Driver of the vehicle used to transport the hitman and two other people to the Modelia neighborhood.
- Katerine Andrea Martínez Martínez, alias Gabriela: The 19-year-old was the person who gave the firearm to the minor.
- William Fernando González Cruz, alias El Viejo or El Hermano: He was in charge of recruiting the minor. He was also present at the time of the attack.
- Elder José Arteaga Hernández, alias El Costeño: The logistical coordinator of the attack. He gave the minor precise instructions to carry out the attack.
