Pedro Lopez is a Colombian serial killer and child rapist who terrorized South America for well over a decade. One of modern history’s most prolific serial killers, Lopez is believed to have killed over 350 people. Despite his unspeakable crimes, Lopez is a free man today. Let’s take a look at how his sinful story came to pass:
What was Pedro Lopez’s childhood like?
Pedro Lopez’s mother was involved in prostitution, and his father was murdered months after he was born. His childhood was tightly clutched by poverty, violence, and crimes. His mother forced him out of the house after he was caught attempting to molest his sister. He was just 8 years of age. Out on the streets, a homeless Lopez was frequently assaulted. As a result, he joined a gang of street kids for protection.
When he was around 20 years old, he was jailed for theft. He was gang raped in prison by four inmates. Within a few days, fuming with a feeling of retribution, Lopez killed all those who were involved, one after the other.
How did Pedro Lopez’s criminal career evolve?
Post-release, Pedro Lopez began finding kids to rape and kill. He would lure them to secluded regions where he would rape them and strangle them to death with his bare hands. Since those were street, underprivileged children, there wasn’t any reporting.
The number of missing person cases skyrocketed, and police thought it was due to human trafficking. It was when dead bodies were found, that police realized a serial murderer was on the loose. During this period, Lopez is believed to have killed hundreds.
How was Pedro Lopez Arrested?
Lopez once tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl in a market. He was caught by local shopkeepers, and cops were called. In custody, Lopez confessed to having killed hundreds in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Lopez was found guilty and sentenced to 16 years in prison in 1980. It was Ecuador’s maximum prison term at the time.
Where is Pedro Lopez now?
Lopez was released from prison on August 31, 1994, owing to his good behaviour. Post-release, Lopez had a few more run-ins with the law. Colombian police reopened a murder case and a warrant was issued against Lopez. However, he was never caught and remains a fugitive to this day. His whereabouts are unknown.
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