In the southern part of Barranquilla, a violent shooting took place inside a billiard hall, leaving one man dead and another injured. The incident occurred on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Billares Los Almendros, located on Calle 17 and Carrera 22. According to reports, the victim was Miguel Ángel Racedo Rojano, a 74-year-old man who was reportedly working at the establishment when he was shot multiple times by armed individuals. Another person, Juan Carlos Sierra Paredes, aged 37, was also wounded during the attack. Both victims were taken to a nearby medical facility where Racedo Rojano succumbed to his injuries, while Sierra Paredes remains under medical care. The assailants, described as two men, entered the premises and fired directly at Racedo Rojano. Witnesses confirmed that the shooting took place in front of other patrons present in the establishment. Security cameras and testimonies are being reviewed by local authorities to reconstruct the sequence of events. The suspects fled the scene and are currently being sought by law enforcement. Authorities have indicated that the case is under investigation, and they are exploring possible links between the crime and illegal extortion activities targeting local business owners. Although no official confirmation has been given, preliminary information suggests that Racedo Rojano might have been involved in managing or owning the billiard hall, which had allegedly been subjected to pressure from extortion groups. This hypothesis is being examined as part of the ongoing inquiry. This incident occurs amid a broader surge in violence affecting commercial areas in Barranquilla and surrounding municipalities. In recent days, merchants have expressed concerns over threats and intimidation related to extortion. Just days prior, another tragic event unfolded in Soledad, where Abersio Medrano Ramos, a poultry trader, was killed after refusing to pay an extortion fee. His family informed investigators that he had been targeted for not meeting financial demands imposed by criminal organizations operating in the area. The situation has prompted heightened public concern and calls for action. The Defender’s Office issued a warning about the escalating violence, noting that the region has seen a significant increase in lethal incidents. It highlighted the involvement of criminal groups such as the Pepes, Costeños, and others, including factions like "Los del Freseo" or "La Nueva Generación," which are believed to operate under leadership figures such as "alias el Menor." These groups are said to be engaged in territorial disputes, contributing to the overall instability. Meanwhile, the head of the Metropolitan Police, Brigadier General Miguel Camelo, made controversial remarks regarding the closure of businesses during a period of heightened security threats. He stated that individuals have the right to fear and choose whether to remain closed, suggesting that the police could not dictate their decisions. Such comments have sparked debate among officials and community leaders, who argue that more decisive measures are needed to address the growing threat posed by organized crime. As investigations continue, both cases—those of Racedo Rojano and Medrano Ramos—are being linked to a pattern of violence fueled by extortion. Authorities are working to identify the responsible parties and take appropriate legal actions. However, the persistence of these criminal networks underscores the challenges faced by local governments and law enforcement agencies in restoring safety and stability in the region. The outlook remains uncertain, with many residents expressing fears for their livelihoods and lives in the face of ongoing threats.
3 reports
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 853 days agoA violent shooting occurred inside a billiards establishment called 'Billares Los Almendros' located at Calle 17 and Carrera 22 in the southern part of Barranquilla, Colombia. The attack resulted in the death of 74-year-old Miguel Ángel Racedo Rojano and injured another individual, Juan Carlos Sierra Paredes. According to preliminary reports, two armed men entered the premises and fired directly at Racedo, who was attending to a table. Authorities are investigating the incident and suspect it may be linked to extortion activities targeting local businesses. Racedo is believed to be involved in managing or owning the establishment, which had reportedly been subjected to extortion pressures. Both victims were taken to a nearby medical facility, where Racedo was confirmed dead due to severe injuries. The perpetrators fled the scene and are currently being sought by judicial authorities, who are reviewing security footage and collecting witness statements to reconstruct the event.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a violent crime and focuses on the investigation into possible extortion-related motives. While the issue of extortion ties into broader themes of organized crime and public safety, which are politically sensitive, the article does not take a clear partisan,
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): The article reports a detailed account of a murder in Barranquilla, including location, victim details, and possible link to extortion. It cites police investigations and includes quotes from witnesses, though the conclusion that it was definitely extortion is not definitively proven, leaving some r
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 854 days agoIn Soledad, Atlántico, a merchant named Abersio Medrano Ramos was killed after allegedly refusing to pay an extortion demand. The attack occurred in the neighborhood of Villa Adela Segunda Etapa, where two men on motorcycles approached him, and one shot him multiple times before killing him. According to authorities, Medrano had been receiving threats over his refusal to pay the extortion fee. This incident follows the forced closure of businesses in the area due to extortion by criminal groups. The Public Defender’s Office has issued a high-level warning about the rising violence in Barranquilla and surrounding areas, attributing the increase to conflicts between criminal factions such as the Pepes, Costeños, and related groups like Los del Freseo or La Nueva Generación. These groups are reportedly vying for territorial control, leading to heightened insecurity and disruption of daily life.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a violent crime linked to organized crime and extortion, which is a significant issue affecting public safety and governance. It includes quotes from the Public Defender’s Office and mentions local authorities, but does not exhibit clear ideological bias. The tone remains fact
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): The article covers the murder of a merchant and the broader context of rising violence in Barranquilla. It includes statements from the Defender of the People and focuses on the security crisis. The tone is factual but highlights the gravity of the situation.
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 704 days ago Controversial response of the commander of the Police of Barranquilla in security crisis: Everyone who is respectful of his fearDuring a security crisis in Barranquilla and surrounding municipalities in the Atlantic region of Colombia, Brigadier General Miguel Camelo, commander of the Metropolitan Police, made controversial remarks during an interview with Jorge Cura on Emisora Atlántico. He acknowledged that businesses closed due to threats from extortion gangs operating in the area, stating that individuals are 'owners of their fear' and that the police cannot dictate how people respond to such threats. The situation has escalated with a significant rise in homicides, including the killing of a merchant in Soledad who was allegedly targeted for failing to pay an extortion fee. Authorities report 670 homicides in the first half of 2026 in the region, compared to 411 in the more violent Cauca department. Family members of the victim indicated he had been under threat for not paying an extortion debt.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the security crisis and the police commander’s comments without overtly endorsing or criticizing either side. It reports on the police’s efforts, the impact on local commerce, and the broader homicide statistics without taking a clear ideological stance. The
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article presents factual information about the police commander’s comments on the closure of businesses due to threats. However, the tone is somewhat biased by emphasizing the 'polémica' nature of the statement and using emotionally charged language like 'escalada violenta,' which may influence
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