Eight murder victims identified; families receive bodies in Daule, Ecuador

Eight people who disappeared on May 31 while traveling from Daule to Milagro were found dead in sacks along the Juján‑Babahoyo road, each with bullet wounds to the head. The victims, aged 15 to 31, were identified through forensic examinations and photographs.

On June 4, the bodies were handed over to relatives at the Guayaquil Forensic Laboratory and taken by caravan back to Daule for burial. Authorities say the killings may stem from a drug‑trafficking territory dispute, with investigators suspecting the perpetrators mistook the victims for rival gang members. The police have opened an investigation and announced a reward for information leading to the perpetrators.

Hundreds attended the funerals, underscoring the community’s shock and grief. The case remains under active investigation, with no clear suspect line established yet.