Ecuadorian suspect Óscar David V. released pending weapons charge in Quito

Óscar David V., known as alias “Paisa,” was arrested in Quito after authorities linked him to the murder and decapitation of a man whose body was found hanging from a bridge in the Llano Chico sector. During a flagrante hearing, a judge denied the prosecution’s request for pre‑trial detention, ruling that the evidence did not justify preventive imprisonment. The court limited the case to alleged illegal possession and carrying of a firearm, a Glock 9 mm found in a tolerance centre, and set a direct trial for 20 August 2026. While remaining free, the suspect maintains he is a street vendor and claims the weapon was planted. The government has associated him with the criminal group Los Lobos, prompting President Daniel Noboa to deploy additional police and military forces to Quito amid rising violence. The homicide investigation continues independently of the weapons charge.