A convicted felon who raped, tortured and murdered over 168 children could be free within four years, Colombian Senator Gilma Jimenez reported Monday.
Luis Alfredo Garavito, known as “The Beast,” was sentenced to 40 years in prison, but may in fact be getting out four years from now after serving only 16, reported the Green Party senator, who is also spokesperson for a committee that advocates life imprisonment for rapists and child molesters.
According to Caracol Radio, Jimenez said that Garavito may end up going free after completion of two fifths of his sentence, as the murderer has managed to reduce his sentence by dedicating himself to various studies throughout his time in prison.
The senator has requested that the competent authorities clarify Garavito’s judicial situation and investigate the identities of his 76 victims classified as “unnamed,” so that charges can be pressed against Garavito for these crimes.
Jimenez has also asked that the Colombian Foreign Ministry undergo the necessary procedures with Ecuador’s administration, where Garavito is also facing charges, so that if he is released early from prison, his extradition to the neighboring country may be immediately requested.
The congresswoman said that the fact that Garavito could be free very soon is an affront to the memory of the young victims and their families and puts the life and safety of all Colombian children at risk, newspaper Terra reported.