Two inmates escape from Turi prison in Cuenca

Two inmates escaped from the Turi prison, also known as the Azuay N. 1 Deprivation of Liberty Center, in Cuenca during the early hours of Monday, September 28, 2026. The fugitives, identified as José J. G. R. and Julio F. C. B., were serving sentences for drug trafficking and robbery, respectively.

According to Colonel Julio Camacho, commander of the Azuay Police, the escape was carried out using a rope made from bedsheets. The inmates used the makeshift rope to descend from a cell window to the prison courtyard, eventually exiting through guard post number 3.

A third inmate who shared the cell reportedly refused to join the escape attempt. Authorities state that the two fugitives tied up the third prisoner to prevent him from raising an alarm. The National Police have activated security protocols and launched an investigation to determine how the escape was possible.