Alias el Costeño, the alleged murderer of Miguel Uribe Turbay, is accused of another homicide, now in dispute of traffickers

In recent developments linked to the ongoing investigation into the assassination of former presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, authorities have confirmed new charges against Elder José Arteaga Hernández, known by aliases such as "Chipi" or "el Costeño." This individual was previously identified as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Uribe Turbay, which occurred last year. Now, he faces additional accusations related to another homicide, this time involving a dispute among drug traffickers in Bogotá. The case has reignited interest in the criminal network associated with Arteaga Hernández and his role in the broader landscape of organized crime in Colombia.

The prosecution has formally accused Arteaga Hernández of ordering the killing of a man in the locality of Engativá on June 15, 2024. According to the Fiscalía General de la Nación, the victim's death was part of a violent conflict over control of small-scale drug trafficking operations in western Bogotá. The evidence gathered suggests that Artega Hernández used a similar method to the one employed in the assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay. In both cases, he did not personally commit the crimes but instead relied on hired assassins.

According to the investigative reports, Arteaga Hernández allegedly contacted a specific individual and offered four million Colombian pesos to carry out the murder. He then met with the assassin at a pool hall to finalize the details, showed them a photograph of the target, and paid two million pesos as an advance. The victim was located in a nighttime commercial establishment, and Arteaga Hernández reportedly delivered the weapon used in the crime inside a vehicle. Hours later, during the early morning hours, the homicide took place in public streets within the neighborhood of El Muelle in Engativá.

Arteaga Hernández now faces multiple charges including aggravated homicide, manufacturing, trafficking, carrying, or possession of firearms, accessories, parts, or ammunition, and the concealment, alteration, or destruction of physical evidence. These charges reflect the severity of the allegations against him and underscore the complexity of the legal proceedings surrounding his activities.

Authorities have announced their search for Arteaga Hernández, intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend him. The involvement of the Fiscalía in this matter highlights the seriousness with which these crimes are being treated, especially given the high-profile nature of the previous assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay. The connection between these two cases raises questions about the broader implications of organized crime in the region and its impact on political figures and civilians alike.

Additionally, the Fiscalía has revealed that they discovered thallium in the locker of Zulma Guzmán at a club in Bogotá. Thallium is a toxic heavy metal often used in poisonings, suggesting potential links to other criminal activities or possible connections to the individuals involved in the current investigations. This discovery adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing probe, indicating that the scope of the criminal activities under scrutiny might extend beyond just the homicides attributed to Arteaga Hernández.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the full extent of Arteaga Hernández’s criminal network and its influence in the area. The authorities are likely to conduct further inquiries into the backgrounds of all individuals connected to the cases, aiming to uncover any hidden relationships or motives that could provide deeper insights into the dynamics of organized crime in Bogotá. With each new piece of information uncovered, the narrative around these crimes becomes more intricate, reflecting the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating such pervasive criminal elements.