Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(160,452 posts)
Fri Feb 7, 2020, 02:44 AM Feb 2020

'Popeye,' Pablo Escobar's media-savvy former hitman dies at 57


by Adriaan Alsema February 6, 2020

John Jairo Velasquez, a.k.a. “Popeye,” died of stomach cancer on Thursday, months after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He was 57.

The media-savvy former hitman died in the National Cancer Institute in Bogota where he was staying since December after being diagnosed with cancer.

Popeye spent the last two years of his life in jail after the Prosecutor General’s Office accused him of extortion. Before that, he was in prison between his surrender in 1992 and 2014.

The former Medellin Cartel hitman admitted to more than 250 murders, and became an even more controversial public figure after he became a Youtuber after his release.

https://colombiareports.com/popeye-pablo-escobars-media-savvy-former-hitman-dies-at-57/
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Latin America»'Popeye,' Pablo Escobar's...