Case 292: Monster of the Andes

Update: 2024-07-13

Digest

The podcast delves into the horrifying story of Pedro Lopez, a Colombian serial killer known as the "Monster of the Andes." In 1979, Ecuador was plagued by the disappearances of young girls, primarily market vendors. The police initially dismissed these cases as runaways, but the increasing number of disappearances, concentrated along the Andes mountain range, pointed to a trafficking ring. The case of Eva Nova Yakome, a nine-year-old girl from a wealthy family, shook the community. Despite a massive search effort, no leads were found. A suspicious street vendor, offering a large sum of money to young girls to guide him, aroused suspicion among market vendors. Carlina Ramon, a vendor, witnessed the man abducting a young girl and alerted the police. The suspect, Pedro Lopez, claimed to be a simple street vendor. However, Carlina's testimony and the girl's possession of a 100 sucre bill raised doubts. Lopez confessed to being responsible for the disappearances, claiming he had killed all the girls and buried them along the Andes. Lopez led police to a remote location where they discovered the body of Eva Nova, confirming his confession. He detailed how he lured her away from her home and killed her. He also led police to another location where they found the remains of Ortencia Garcia, another missing girl. Lopez confessed to killing over 100 girls in Ecuador and hundreds more in Colombia and Peru. He described his modus operandi, befriending young girls and then leading them to secluded locations where he raped and killed them. Lopez described his preference for young girls with innocent looks and how he targeted victims of convenience. He detailed his first murder in the Tecundama Falls area and his subsequent crimes in Peru. He was caught in Peru after villagers recognized him as the perpetrator of the missing girls. He was handed over to the Peruvian police but released without investigation. Lopez was charged with the rape and murder of 110 girls in Ecuador. He pleaded guilty to 57 charges and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He was released from prison in Ecuador after 13 years due to good behavior. He was immediately deported to Colombia, where he was charged with the murder of Floor Sanchez. Lopez was deemed mentally ill and not criminally responsible for his actions. He was sent to a mental health facility and released after three years, declared cured and sane. Lopez returned to his hometown, El Espinal, to see his mother. He denied her claims of a loving home and blamed his crimes on his abusive childhood. He disappeared into the Andes, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. The true number of his victims remains unknown, and his crimes continue to haunt the families of the missing girls. The podcast then introduces a new case, the death of Louisa Ewanetus in Melbourne, Australia. Police initially ruled out foul play, but a fresh investigation reveals startling revelations.

Outlines