On Saturday, August 22, the body of a woman visiting an inmate was discovered inside a cell in pavilion 13 of La Modelo prison in Bogotá, according to investigative reporting. Authorities have not yet explained how security protocols were violated to allow a prisoner to kill his visitor in broad daylight within a heavily guarded area of the facility.
William Rafael Martínez Alvarino Identified as Aggressor in La Modelo Prison Murder
Investigators established that the inmate responsible for the killing is William Rafael Martínez Alvarino, a 45-year-old native of Talaigua Nuevo in the department of Bolívar, who admitted to the crime following the discovery of the body. Martínez Alvarino has been serving a 21-year and 4-month prison sentence since 2018 for the attempted feminicidio of a previous partner, court records show. Just days prior to the incident, on August 18, Martínez Alvarino had requested house arrest, but a judge denied the benefit.
The inmate’s prior conviction stems from an October 30, 2015, attack in southern Bogotá, where he pursued the mother of his children with a knife. According to the case prosecutor, Martínez Alvarino cornered the victim and inflicted more than 20 knife wounds to her face, neck, arms, and abdomen despite an active restraining order. The victim, who had previously sought safety in a refuge house, sustained permanent injuries to her face and neck from that assault.
Did You Know? During the 2015 trial for the attempted feminicidio, defense counsel argued that the attack was merely a domestic dispute or quarrel, but the presiding judge rejected that argument and ordered Martínez Alvarino to La Modelo prison.
Official Investigations and Potential Legal Fallout
Minister of Justice Iván Cancino has publicly condemned the killing and ordered an official investigation into the security breach. Legal associates close to the matter indicate that the state could face lawsuits over the security failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the killing take place at La Modelo prison?
The body of the visitor was found on Saturday, August 22.
What is the background of the inmate involved?
William Rafael Martínez Alvarino, 45, has been serving a sentence since 2018 for the 2015 attempted feminicidio of the mother of his three children.
What official actions have been taken in response to the homicide?
Minister of Justice Iván Cancino condemned the event and ordered an investigation, while the Inpec faces scrutiny from individuals close to the case regarding potential state liability.