Colombia arrests suspect in Venezuela lawmaker’s murder

[Judi Lynn]

Colombia arrests suspect in Venezuela lawmaker’s murder
Nov 6, 2014 posted by Piotr Wojciak

Colombian authorities have detained the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of Venezuelan deputy Robert Serra and his partner Maria Herrera, local media reported on Thursday.

According to the reports, Leiva Padilla Mendoza, alias “El Colombiano” was detained on Wednesday during an operation by National Criminal Investigation Department (Dijin) in Cartagena, in the north of the country.

Mendoza was arrested in broad daylight in the center of city. At the time of apprehension, he was accompanied by his girlfriend.

“El Colombiano” or ” Colombia” has been issued a “red notice” by Interpol, which is the closest instrument to an international arrest warrant in use today. According to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the individual has been operating under false identities to evade the authorities.

More:
http://colombiareports.co/mysterious-main-suspect-murder-venezuelan-lawmaker-arrested/

[Judi Lynn]

1. Alleged Mastermind of Murder of Venezuelan Politician Arrested in Colombia

Alleged Mastermind of Murder of Venezuelan Politician Arrested in Colombia
Caracas, Friday November 7,2014

BOGOTA – Colombian authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Venezuelan legislator Robert Serra and his girlfriend Maria Herrera last month, Colombian media has reported.

Leiva Padilla Mendoza, alias “Colombia” or “El Colombia,” was arrested Wednesday by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol (DIJIN) in a shop in the northern department of Bolivar, according to Caracol Radio.

Although Cartagena police said that they had knowledge of the detention of a person, they did not confirm the identity or the possible link of the arrest with the murder of the lawmaker.

The DIJIN, on the other hand, said that Bogota did not yet have official information regarding the arrest of Padilla, who is wanted by Interpol.

Last week, Venezuelan Attorney General Luisa Ortega reported that 10 people had been arrested for the murder of Serra and Herrera, a crime which, according to local authorities, had political motives and was carried out by Colombian paramilitaries.

More:
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2359680&CategoryId=10717