Alexis Antonio Delgado Valencia arrested for alleged murder of environmental leader

Authorities have identified Alexis Antonio Delgado Valencia as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of environmental leader Diana Carolina Rodríguez Madrigal, which occurred on April 11, 2023, in San Cayetano, Norte de Santander.

Investigations suggest the motive was to protect industrial interests. Rodríguez Madrigal reportedly opposed the operation of coking industries in the rural area and worked to prevent the opening of facilities lacking proper permits. Delgado, a plant manager at a coking industry, allegedly met with the perpetrator, Víctor Eligio del Toro Charriz, several times to plan the attack.

According to the prosecution, Delgado offered Del Toro money and a motorcycle to carry out the crime. On the night of the murder, Del Toro intercepted Rodríguez Madrigal on a known route and killed her using a hammer and a machete. Del Toro had previously been captured, and investigators claim Delgado later provided the agreed-upon payment.