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Attack on Molino Grollmus: Formalized suspects lived 20 minutes from the attack site, have prior arrests, and include minors

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One of the survivors of the attack told Mega Investiga what happened when a group of over 20 people wearing bulletproof vests and masks appeared.

Mega Investiga accessed part of the investigation file that led to the arrest of 6 individuals, charged with burning the 110-year-old Grollmus Museum. They are also accused of spreading terror in the city of Contulmo and attacking 5 people with military-grade weapons. In an exclusive report, we reveal who the formalized suspects are and their ties to the Mapuche Lafkenche Resistance.

In the early hours of August 29, 2022, the Grollmus Mill—a museum in the city of Contulmo now in ruins—was being cared for by its owner, 86-year-old Hellmuth Grollmus, his 79-year-old cousin Carlos Grollmus, and three other collaborators of this tourist site, recognized by the state as architectural heritage with 110 years of history.

One of the survivors recounted to Mega Investiga what happened when the group of over 20 masked individuals in bulletproof vests appeared: "They arrived in a couple of trucks. One of the trucks was driven straight inside, and they took cover behind it to shoot. They were all commanded by a tall man who shouted orders: 'Shoot here, burn there.'"

They burned historical relics, antique machinery, and the entire heritage structure, an icon of Contulmo. The owner’s cousin, Carlos Grollmus, suffered the worst—multiple gunshot wounds and the amputation of his left leg. A video showing him lying on the ground went viral hours after the attack (see report).

Today, the survivors describe their post-traumatic struggles. The mill’s owner, Hellmuth Grollmus, died seven months after the attack, bedridden at home: "He no longer wanted to live. He didn’t want to go out. They ruined the few years he had left. And for the rest of us who survived, it’s worse. This isn’t living."

Who are the culprits?

Mega Investiga obtained profiles of the six latest suspects arrested for the attack that destroyed the mill. They will be charged with attempted homicide and arson. According to the prosecution, they face between 15 years in prison to life sentences.

All were arrested in the city of Cañete, in rural and urban areas less than 25 minutes from the attack site. The men, aged 17 to 42, are linked—based on their social media analyzed in the police investigation—to Mapuche-related cases and arson attacks claimed by the group operating in the southern cone of the Biobío Region, the so-called Mapuche Lafkenche Resistance (RML).

Alvaro Enrique Reyes Paineo (18 years old): Resides in Cañete. In 2022, when he allegedly participated in the attack, he was only 16. His record includes a pending case for ammunition possession. He was arrested on January 13, 2022, hiding ballistic cartridges in a fleeing vehicle. Bulletproof vests and helmets were also seized in the same operation.

Luis Ricardo Mora Millabu (18 years old): Also lives in Cañete. Luis is the second minor allegedly involved in the attack. Now an adult, he faces trial. But this isn’t his only case. Like Alvaro Reyes, he was arrested carrying ammunition on January 13, 2022. Additionally, on April 16 of this year, he was detained for driving a stolen vehicle (receiving stolen goods) near Lake Lanalhue, an area frequently attacked by the RML.

Nelson Enrique Alonso Llempi (37 years old): Lives in Cañete, in the Huape area, close to where the triple homicide of police officers occurred. He is under investigation for other arson attacks and timber theft.

Dago Andres Reyes Reyes (40 years old): Resides near Lencan Lagoon in Cañete. His social media shows participation in marches for the release of Mapuche activists. He is also investigated for timber theft and land occupations.

Rodrigo Arturo Valenzuela Canullan (42 years old): The oldest among the detainees. Married for 24 years, he is also from Cañete and lives near Lake Lleu Lleu.

Gerald Anibal Marileo Matamala (30 years old): Gerald was arrested early Friday in rural Cañete, alongside the other five suspects. He has no prior criminal record or pending investigations. However, his social media shows friendships with other detainees and frequent visits to areas attacked by the RML.

Between debts and psychiatrists

When the attack occurred in August 2022, Mega Investiga visited the area and spoke with the victims.

"The arrest of the first suspects is a partial relief. But we, the victims, are still suffering. There’s no help from the state. We’ve gone into debt to pay for medical treatments. Plus, we’re exposed to potential new attacks or retaliation," said Cristián Cid, who was there that night and suffered beatings and a gunshot that left him blind in one eye.

Cristian’s father, 77-year-old Ramón Nonato Cid, also endured the trauma of the attack. He is now under psychiatric care and has suffered two heart attacks. He, too, has received no state assistance.

The mill’s owner, Hellmuth Grollmus, died at 86. According to those close to him, his death—seven months after the attack—was due to the shock of nearly being killed and watching his museum dream go up in flames. "He no longer wanted to live," they emphasized.

The owner’s cousin, Carlos Grollmus, was among the hardest hit. After the attack, his left leg was amputated. He is now bedridden. His lawyer says medical treatments have left him in debt, and authorities have provided no aid.

Cristian Grollmus, son of the mill’s owner, still lives on the attacked property. He is under psychological treatment and 24-hour police protection by court order. He dreams of rebuilding the heritage lost to the fire—though he notes no one has ever helped.

Eleven suspects have now been arrested and formalized as of Friday afternoon, with their hearing continuing Monday at 3 PM. However, the court has issued 26 arrest warrants, meaning 15 fugitives linked to the RML and the mill attack remain at large, with the PDI working to apprehend them.

"These individuals directly participated in the attack known as the Grollmus Mill attack—an extremely grave incident involving high firepower. According to our investigation, this was an act carried out by the known RML," added Biobío Regional Prosecutor Marcela Cartagena.

Source:Meganoticias