The Prosecution is investigating whether criminal gangs in the region were involved in the mass killing of 12 indigenous Awa.
“This crime was perpetrated by a number of persons. Bullet casings found were 9mm calibre,” said Attorney General Guillermo Mendoza. He explained that it was possible that members of Colombia’s armed forces were involved.
On 31 August, native Awa Jairo Miguel Pai was captured on suspicion of orchestrating the killing. El Espectador reports that he had allegedly been blackmailing some of the victims of the August 26 slaughter.
Pai has a criminal record from when he was underage which includes extortion and kidnapping. The reason for which he is suspected of the murders is the failure of the Awa to deliver money for a lumber business.