Ecuadorian Investigator Killed in Murder Targeting TV Studio Attack Case

Officials have confirmed that César Suárez, a prosecutor investigating an attack on a TV studio in Ecuador, was killed in the city of Guayaquil. It is unclear whether his death is connected to his investigation into the attack. During the incident last week, armed individuals entered the studio of public TV channel TC, threatening the staff at gunpoint. Journalist Jose Luis Calderon pleaded with the gunmen while the rest of the staff were forced to the ground. One cameraman was shot in the leg and another suffered a broken arm. Local media reports suggest that Suárez was shot while driving near his office. In an interview shortly before his death, Suárez expressed concern over the lack of police protection, despite interrogating the 13 individuals arrested in connection with the TV station attack. This incident adds to the wave of violence in Ecuador, including prison escapes, hostage situations involving prison guards, and explosions in various cities. President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency and has ordered the military to neutralize 22 armed groups. Attorney General Diana Salazar expressed her grief over Suárez's death and vowed to continue fighting organized crime.