Esteban Ramírez Parra, a 37-year-old Coca-Cola sales manager residing in Armenia, was fatally shot during an armed robbery in Medellín on Sept. 18, according to reports from the Metropolitan Police of the Aburrá Valley and municipal officials. Ramírez had traveled to Medellín days prior to visit his family, and the attack occurred as he sat in the passenger seat of a car driven by his sister following a family gathering.
The incident unfolded around 11:22 p.m. at a red light near a gas station on Calle 30 with Avenida 70, in the jurisdiction of Belén Rosales, as detailed by the victim’s sister in an account published by El Tiempo and Semana. Two individuals on a 150-cc motorcycle approached the vehicle, and the passenger demanded the occupants lower their windows, according to police and eyewitness statements. The assailant stole valuables, including a gold chain and cell phones, before shooting Ramírez in the head.
“He alzaba los brazos como sin entender a qué se refería y el hombre le disparó”, recounted the victim’s sister, Natalia, regarding the final moments before the fatal shot, as noted by Semana. Following the attack, the sister drove toward Clínica Medellín de Occidente, striking a Metroplús transit separator and blowing a tire along the way before bystanders assisted them. Medical personnel performed a tomogram revealing severe cerebral compromise, prompting a transfer to the San Vicente Foundation, where Ramírez died at 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 20.
Did You Know? The fatal attack occurred during a month that local officials noted was tracking toward historical lows in violent deaths for Medellín, according to municipal reports cited by El Tiempo and Semana.
Security Secretary Manuel Villa Mejía and Metropolitan Police Deputy Commander Colonel Juan Sierra delivered a joint operational update on Monday, Sept. 22, outlining the ongoing criminal investigation. Authorities announced that a specialized criminal investigation component was deployed immediately following the incident to identify, individualize, and capture those responsible.
“Hemos adelantado la recolección y el análisis de los elementos materiales probatorios, trabajo que nos ha permitido consolidar tres líneas de investigación”, stated Colonel Sierra during the official briefing reported by El Tiempo. Investigators are reviewing detailed security camera footage to map the crime’s mechanics and trace potential accomplices operating as facilitators before, during, and after the robbery.
The tragedy drew condemnation from municipal leadership, with Mayor Federico Gutiérrez expressing condolences on social media and stating, via X, that he spoke directly with National Police Director General Jesús Alejandro Barrera Peña to demand a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Femsa-Colombia issued a corporate statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their Quindío sales manager, thanking him for his human quality and organizational commitment. Funeral services for Ramírez are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 4:15 p.m. at the Jardines Montesacro cemetery in La Estrella.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Esteban Ramírez Parra’s profession and where did he live?
Ramírez worked as a sales manager for Coca-Cola and was based in Armenia, Quindío, originating originally from Medellín, according to official police reports and corporate statements.
How did the armed robbery take place on September 18?
According to eyewitness testimony from the victim’s sister, two men on a motorcycle staged a fake collision gesture to stop the vehicle on Calle 30 with Avenida 70, subsequently approaching the windows to steal valuables before shooting Ramírez.
What actions are authorities taking in response to the homicide?
According to Security Secretary Manuel Villa Mejía and Colonel Juan Sierra, the Metropolitan Police have formed a specialized criminal investigation unit, consolidated three lines of inquiry, and are analyzing security cameras to identify all individuals involved in the crime.
What measures do you believe municipal authorities should prioritize to curb armed motorcycle robberies at city intersections?
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