The family of Senator and presidential pre-candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay categorically rejected a pre-agreement between prosecutors and Elder José Arteaga Hernández, alias El Costeño. The deal includes a 26-year prison sentence for the senator's murder.
The assassination took place on June 7, 2025, at El Golfito park in Bogotá's Modelia neighborhood. The family called the proposed benefits for the defendant disproportionate given his central role in the crime.
In their statement, Uribe's relatives said Arteaga's defense has relied on delaying tactics rather than providing truthful information. They argued existing evidence supported a sentence exceeding 40 years.
Prosecutors justified the pre-agreement by noting the defendant's acceptance of charges shows remorse and willingness to cooperate. The deal also requires Arteaga to publicly apologize to the family before the judge.