Seventeen-year-old Juan David Barragán, known as 'Juanito', was fatally shot in Algeciras, Huila, in the early hours of January 1, 2026, marking the town's first homicide of the year. The attack in the Zona Rosa nightclub area overshadowed New Year's celebrations and continues a troubling violence trend after 26 killings in 2025, many linked to Farc dissidents.
The incident unfolded around 5:05 a.m. on the road leading to Neiva in Algeciras's Zona Rosa, where Barragán was celebrating with friends. Unknown assailants, described as hitmen, approached and shot him at close range in the head before fleeing in an unknown direction.
Police responded to an alert, finding the teenager lifeless on the public road. Criminalistics teams cordoned the scene for evidence collection. The case has been assigned to the Attorney General's Office, which is investigating motives and suspects amid an ongoing probe.
This killing follows a violent 2025 with 26 homicides—mostly young victims tied to Farc dissidents—prompting calls from leaders like Mayor Alexander Martínez for increased state support. The agricultural hub of Huila begins 2026 with heightened concerns over nighttime safety in leisure areas, as authorities work to prevent further incidents.
