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Three Community Members Sentenced for Murder of Carabinero Francisco Benavides in Collipulli

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The Oral Court of Angol issued a guilty verdict against three defendants for the homicide of Carabinero Sub-officer Francisco Benavides, an incident recorded on May 24, 2021, in Collipulli, in the La Araucanía region.

The convicted are brothers Matías and Heriberto Ancalaf and Rodrigo Calabrano, who were also found guilty of public disorder, repeated unjustified gunfire, and illegal possession of a firearm.

Sub-officer Benavides, 42 years old, was participating in an operation to clear a blocked road when he was ambushed by those now convicted.

As established during the trial, from a hidden position, the defendants shot at the officer, hitting him in the neck with a bullet that pierced his bulletproof vest, causing instant death.

High Complexity Prosecutor Carlos Bustos, who led the investigation alongside Carabineros' OS9 personnel, expressed his satisfaction regarding the indirect victims of these events—the family of Sub-officer Benavides.

Meanwhile, Lonko Víctor Queipul questioned the court's guilty verdict, criticizing the use of protected witnesses and insisting on the innocence of the community members brought to trial.

The sentencing of the convicted will take place on January 21.

Sentences Requested by the Prosecutor's Office

For Matías Ancalaf, the Prosecutor's Office seeks qualified life imprisonment for the murder of an on-duty carabinero; 3 years and one day for unjustified gunfire; 3 years and one day for illegal firearm possession; and 300 days for public disorder.

For Heriberto Ancalaf Prado, 20 years for the murder of an on-duty carabinero; 3 years and one day for unjustified gunfire; 3 years and one day for illegal firearm possession; and 300 days for public disorder.

And for Rodrigo Calabrano Ñanco, 20 years for the murder of an on-duty carabinero; 3 years and one day for unjustified gunfire; 3 years and one day for illegal firearm possession; and 300 days for public disorder.

The verdict was highlighted by Carabineros' General Director, Marcelo Araya, stating that "the safety of our carabineros must be a top priority."

"May this guilty verdict against those involved in his cowardly murder bring some comfort to his family and comrades," he added, affirming that "I hope the sanctions against them are the harshest that Justice can determine."

Source:BiobioChile