Ecuador police say Manta student killing tied to social‑media gang clashes

On July 30, 2026, a 17‑year‑old student was shot dead while walking to school in the Eloy Alfaro parish of Manta, Manabí, Ecuador. Armed men on motorcycles intercepted him on streets 318 and 213, leaving a line of 9 mm bullet casings over about 15 metres.

Police investigators suggest the murder is linked to growing conflicts among teenagers who use social‑media platforms such as TikTok to display allegiance to criminal groups. Police commander William Calle warned parents to monitor their children’s online activity, noting live‑streamed videos of teens claiming to belong to armed groups. The case revives concerns raised after a previous student homicide in Montecristi, which authorities also linked to online challenges and digital confrontations.