A routine school drop-off became a scene of deadly violence when an Ecuadorian judge was gunned down in front of his children, underscoring the perilous grip of criminal gangs on the nation's judicial system and daily life.

Police reported that a gunman on a motorbike opened fire on Judge Marcos Mendoza in the coastal town of Montecristi in Manabi province on Thursday, with authorities suspecting involvement of the Los Lobos gang, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, according to CBS News. Provincial police chief Colonel Giovanni Naranjo told reporters the gang was believed responsible for the killing.

At least 15 judges or prosecutors have been killed in Ecuador since 2022, according to Human Rights Watch. On the same day, soccer player Bryan "Cuco" Angulo was shot in the foot during a training session, leading to the arrest of two assailants.

Targeted Assassination Highlights Judicial Vulnerabilities

The Ecuadoran Judges' Association described Mendoza's murder as "shocking," stating it exposed the "vulnerability" of the country's judges. The group emphasized on social media that "without judicial security, no justice is possible," pointing to the daily pressures faced by judicial officials.

Judges "face pressure, threats, and risks every day for carrying out their duties with independence and courage," the association added in its statement. This incident in Manabi province, plagued by drug cartels, illustrates how criminal organizations are systematically targeting those who challenge their operations.

The killing occurred while Mendoza was walking his children to school, adding a personal dimension to the broader pattern of violence against legal authorities. Such attacks undermine the rule of law, leaving judicial systems weakened and communities in fear of reprisals.

Soccer Player Shooting Tied to Match-Fixing Mafias

Bryan Angulo, who has represented Ecuador internationally and played for various Latin American clubs, was wounded in the foot while attending a training session on Thursday. His club, Liga de Portoviejo, reported in a social media post that several players "have received threats" ahead of a match against rivals Buhos ULRV the following day.

Police do not rule out a connection to a previous incident where authorities arrested a woman at one of Angulo's homes and found a surveillance system allegedly used by criminal gangs. Manabi police chief Giovanni Naranjo stated, "We do not rule out that the attack is related," linking it to ongoing criminal activities.

Match-fixing mafias form part of a global criminal empire generating about $1.7 trillion annually for gangs, according to a recent United Nations estimate. Experts note that these groups target second-division teams in Ecuador, where players' lower salaries make them more susceptible to coercion and violence.

Broader Surge in Gang-Related Violence Nationwide

Ecuador, once among Latin America's safest countries, has experienced a dramatic rise in violence due to its position between major cocaine producers Colombia and Peru, turning it into a key narcotics transit hub. This strategic location has attracted international criminal networks, fueling territorial disputes and attacks on civilians and officials alike.

Earlier this week, authorities reported two separate attacks that killed 14 people and wounded 17, with some victims showing signs of torture. Additionally, two explosions occurred in different parts of the country, following a vehicle blast in a port city that left one person dead.

Interior Minister John Reimberg accused the Los Lobos gang and dissidents from the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) of orchestrating the explosions. These incidents demonstrate the unabated nature of gang violence, even after high-profile actions against drug lords.

Lessons to Learn

1. Awareness of surroundings saves lives: The brutal slaying of Judge Mendoza while performing a daily routine underscores the need for constant vigilance—even in familiar settings. Gangs often target individuals on predictable routes or during recurring activities. While no safety plan offers complete protection, being mindful and varying routines can decrease vulnerability.

2. Security should be taken seriously for public figures: The attacks against both a judge and a national athlete reveal how influencers in legal and public life are becoming primary targets for organized crime. Whether receiving a threat or noting unusual surveillance, public figures should report concerns early and consider legal or private security measures when possible. Still, responsibility lies foremost with the state to protect its citizens.

3. Recognize the signs of broader criminal influence: The apparent intrusion of gangs into sports is telling. Fans, athletes, and institutions must be wary of how criminal groups might exploit areas outside of traditional crime, such as professional sporting events. Know the warning signs—financial involvement, threats, or irregular activity—and report them to prevent criminal normalization in public domains.

Why This Story Matters

This story exposes the pressing danger of unchecked gang violence in Ecuador, where even judges and national athletes are not safe. It highlights the failure of security policy to shield the nation's most at-risk individuals and institutions. The consequences extend beyond immediate victims—these acts undermine public trust and endanger the broader integrity of Ecuadoran society.

Conclusion

On October 16, 2025, Judge Marcos Mendoza was killed in Montecristi while walking his children to school, marking the latest in a string of attacks on Ecuador’s judiciary. That same day, soccer player Bryan “Cuco” Angulo was shot during training, possibly tied to prior gang surveillance. The events follow a week of brutal killings, torture, and bombings allegedly carried out by Los Lobos and FARC dissidents. Ecuador’s rate of violent crime has surged dramatically in 2025, prompting urgent calls for reform and protection of civic actors in the country’s battle against organized crime.