By Frente Unido 
The tragic death of 21-year-old Juan Felipe Rincón, the son of Colombia’s police inspector general, has taken a troubling turn after new details about his personal life came to light. Rincón was shot and killed on November 24 in Bogotá’s Rafael Uribe neighborhood, following a violent confrontation with a group of young people. Surveillance footage, which has been widely shared on social media, shows Rincón trying to escape the attackers before gunshots are heard. Authorities later confirmed that two firearms were recovered from the scene: one belonging to Rincón’s bodyguard and another to one of the young men involved in the altercation.
While it is clear that shots were exchanged during the fight, the exact circumstances of Rincón’s death remain unclear. A 27-year-old man named Andres Camilo Sotelo Torres has been charged with aggravated homicide and unlawful possession of firearms in connection with the crime. Sotelo, who denies firing the fatal shot, claims that his gun was malfunctioning and suggested that Rincon’s bodyguard, a police officer, may have been responsible for the shooting. However, Sotelo’s own injuries complicate his defense, and his hearing has been delayed for now.
Dramatic turn of events
What has made this case even more shocking is the revelation that Rincón’s personal life may have played a key role in the events leading up to his death. Preliminary reports suggest that the altercation may have been sparked by Rincón’s romantic relationship with a 15-year-old girl. It is believed that some of the assailants may have been relatives of the girl, upset about the relationship. The investigation has also revealed that Rincón had inappropriate exchanges on the Internet with another minor, a 9-year-old girl. The girl’s mother apparently found the messages, some of which included explicit content and photos, disturbing. This increased the tension surrounding Rincón’s actions.
Authorities are now working to understand the full scope of what happened. Several of the youths involved in the attack have been identified, and charges against them are expected soon. Prosecutors are also looking into whether the growing animosity over Rincón’s interactions with these minors played a direct role in his tragic death.
EL VIDEO del momento en que Juan Felipe Rincón (hijo del Inspector de la Policía Nal) forcejea con varios jóvenes en un parque del Barrio Quiroga, Bogotá. Uno de ellos, acciona un arma de fuego. En medio aparece una menor de edad que acompañaba a la víctima. pic.twitter.com/ZATbxYnu3x
— ChivasYCrónicas (@ChivasYCronicas) November 25, 2024