Patricio Aguilar, 54, founder and editor of the community newspaper El Libertador, was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in the western town of Quinindé on March 4, 2025.
Aguilar’s wife, Cecibel Jama, told reporters that shortly before he was killed, Aguilar had left their house to cover the release of a kidnapping victim in Quinindé. Police said Aguilar’s body had been hit by 30 bullets and that they, along with the Attorney General’s office, were investigating the crime.
The Quito-based press freedom organization Fundamedios said Aguilar often reported on robberies, shootouts, and other crimes in Quinindé.
Aguilar’s killing came amid a spike in drug-related violence in Ecuador that has led to a surge in threats against journalists. A CPJ special report in 2023 found that political turmoil and an increase in organized crime have put journalists at much greater risk, leading some to self-censor or leave the country. Since 2023, at least 16 journalists have fled Ecuador, according to Fundamedios.
CPJ’s emails to request comment from the Attorney General’s office were not answered.