# Homicide of American citizen in Vicuña, Chile

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/homicide-of-american-citizen-in-vicua-chile
> Updated: 2026-08-13T14:18:01.000Z. Sources: 47. Developments: 3.

In the Diaguitas sector of Vicuña, Chile, 47-year-old American citizen and teacher Anne Alexander Gray was murdered. Gray, an apiculturist who had lived in the area for about a year, was attacked with a sharp weapon after dropping her son off at school.

Authorities arrested César Rodríguez, a 27-year-old Venezuelan national in an irregular migratory situation, as the primary suspect. At the time of his arrest, police reported he was in possession of a butcher knife, an air pistol, and various metal objects. The investigation has been transferred to the Homicide Brigade of the PDI in La Serena.

During a formalization hearing, Rodríguez was placed in preventive detention. Witnesses reported that Gray may have greeted the assailant before he attacked her with a butcher knife, inflicting 12 wounds to her chest, back, and scalp. Following the assault, the suspect reportedly fled on a bicycle toward the river area. Reports indicate that during the hearing, the suspect attempted to justify his actions by claiming ‘divine orders’.

The incident caused significant local shock. Residents held a peaceful demonstration to honor Gray and express safety concerns. Following the crime, reports indicated the suspect’s family left their residence due to fear of community retaliation.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Vicuña: Venezuelan national detained for killing American teacher

César Rodríguez has been placed in preventive detention for the fatal stabbing of American teacher Anne Alexander Gray in Vicuña, Chile. The suspect was apprehended after a witness tracked his escape.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vicua-venezuelan-national-detained-for-killing-american-teacher

### 2026-08-11: Vicuña homicide: American teacher Anne Gray murdered in Chile

An American teacher, Anne Alexander Gray, was murdered in Vicuña, Chile. A Venezuelan national in an irregular migratory status, César Rodríguez, has been detained as the primary suspect.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-citizen-murdered-in-diaguitas-chile-suspect-detained

### 2026-08-09: Chilean police arrest suspect in murder of American citizen

Chilean authorities arrested a Venezuelan national for the murder of an American woman in Vicuña, while also capturing a long-term fugitive in Carahue and seizing large quantities of drugs in the Metropolitant.

42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/publio-de-gracia-arrested-in-panama-corruption-probe

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Cite as: Homicide of American citizen in Vicuña, Chile. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/homicide-of-american-citizen-in-vicua-chile