Ecuador police investigate murder of teenager found near Puerto Bolívar

The National Police of Ecuador are investigating the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose body was discovered in the sea off Puerto Bolívar, in the province of El Oro. The discovery was made on Monday, October 5, 2026, after local fishermen alerted the Ecuadorian Navy.

The teenager had been missing since Saturday, October 3, after reportedly leaving her home to attend a party. According to family members, she may have been kidnapped and had received threats prior to her disappearance, which led her parents to withdraw her from school for safety.

Preliminary reports indicate the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities are currently working to determine the circumstances of the attack and how the body arrived in the sea. As of October 7, no arrests have been reported in connection with the crime.