At the time of his death, Marcelo Pecci, a Paraguayan prosecutor renowned for his work against organized crime, was celebrating a wedding in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Only hours later, he learned that he would become a father. This shocking event highlights the risks faced by prosecutors who confront illegal networks in the region.
Pecci specialized in counter-narcotics operations, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism. He served at the Paraguayan Prosecutor’s Office and was shot on a beach along the Barú peninsula near Cartagena, a location described as a tranquil getaway rather than a crime scene. The violence struck during a moment meant for personal joy, underscoring the personal toll of pursuing high-stakes cases against criminal organizations.
Initial reports from Colombian outlets suggested that two individuals approached the prosecutor by jet ski and opened fire from that platform. Pecci was transported to a medical facility but succumbed to his injuries. He had moved to Cartagena with his wife, Claudia Aguilera, whom he married on April 30. Aguilera, unharmed, later announced on social media that the couple were expecting their first child.
Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it had requested information from Paraguayan authorities in Colombia, including the ambassador to the country, and that every effort would be made to gather details. Consul Rom Romero traveled to Cartagena to monitor the investigation closely, while the wife’s family prepared to assist investigators as needed.
The public message from Aguilera on her social media indicated the couple would become parents, a development that has intensified public interest in the case. A circular with the suspect’s photograph was issued by Colombian police as a key step in the search and identification effort. The image shows a man in dark clothing and a hat, with authorities urging the public to provide tips via multiple hotlines and email addresses to help locate additional individuals connected to the crime.
During a press conference, General George Louis Vargas, the head of the Colombian Police, stated that a reward of 2,000 million pesos (roughly $490,000 USD) was being offered for information leading to breakthroughs in the investigation.
Paraguay’s diplomatic and legal leadership reacted quickly, emphasizing the gravity of the attack and its implications for regional security. The Paraguayan President, Mario Abdo Benítez, pointed to organized crime as a driving force behind the killing, while the Attorney General’s Office labeled the perpetrators as cowards who hide behind powerful criminal networks. The case has relevance beyond personal tragedy, touching on enforcement strategies for cross-border crime and protection for public officials who work on sensitive matters.
The murdered prosecutor was involved in high-profile cases, including breaches in passport documentation linked to former Brazilian football star Ronaldinho and investigations into festival-related incidents. In a public appearance following the incident, the Paraguayan Attorney General, Sandra Quiñónez, expressed condolences and noted that Pecci had managed the security details for himself, a fact that underscored the level of exposure faced by those in his position. She also mentioned that investigators would consider whether Pecci’s movements could be traced from Asunción to Cartagena as part of the security assessment, reflecting the seriousness with which the authorities are evaluating every angle of the case.
In statements to the media, Quiñónez described Pecci as someone who faced threats with the necessary precautions, highlighting the personal risks inherent in his line of work and underscoring the reality that a trusted colleague could fall victim to violence in pursuit of justice. The unity of Paraguay’s legal community and its leadership has been evident as they coordinate with Colombian authorities, with a shared commitment to uncovering the truth and pursuing accountability for those responsible.
The broader narrative connects Pecci’s death to ongoing regional efforts to dismantle organized crime networks that span borders. Authorities continue to withhold final conclusions pending further forensic, investigative, and intergovernmental work. The case raises questions about protection measures for prosecutors in high-risk environments and about how international collaboration can strengthen responses to cross-border criminal activity. The pursuit of justice in this instance remains active, with continued coordination between Paraguayan and Colombian law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Observers note that the investigation will likely involve tracking communications, reviewing security protocols, and analyzing travel patterns linked to the victims and suspects. While public statements emphasize courage and resilience, the tragedy also serves as a reminder of the personal stakes involved when public servants confront complex criminal hierarchies. The Paraguayan legal community and the country at large mourn Pecci while reaffirming a commitment to uphold the rule of law in the face of organized crime’s threats and violence.
This case continues to unfold, with authorities in both nations pursuing multiple lines of inquiry and seeking to identify all individuals connected to the event. The collaborative effort aims to deliver clarity, accountability, and a robust response to those who would prey on public life and threaten the safety of officials who work to safeguard society.