"Panda," believed to be the leader of a group of hitmen associated with "Los 300," and the main perpetrator of the murder of the Pan American judo champion in Palmira, has been arrested.

Automated Content The detainee had reportedly regained his freedom due to the expiration of legal deadlines weeks before committing the crime. The arrest took place in the Alfonzo López neighborhood, district 3 of Palmira. Photo: Private JOURNALIST 05/12/2026 11:17 Updated: 05/12/2026 11:17 In a joint operation between the National Police, the Gaula (Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Group), and the Attorney General's Office, a 28-year-old man known as "Panda" was arrested on a judicial warrant. The operation took place in the Alfonso López neighborhood, located in district 3 of the municipality of Palmira. According to authorities, the detainee has a criminal record for crimes such as homicide. Photo: Private According to investigations, the detainee is considered the main perpetrator of the murder of Élmer Daniel Orejuela, a 23-year-old judo champion and youth leader, in an incident that occurred on April 19th. Criminal profile and background of the detainee Authorities identify "Panda" as the head of hitmen for the criminal organization "los 300" and the right-hand man of the organization's leader. READ ALSO With a criminal history of approximately 11 years, starting from his minority, the detainee was allegedly responsible for recruiting minors to commit crimes in the Valle del Cauca region. Brigadier General Sandra Liliana Rodríguez Castro, commander of the Valle Police Department, reported that the detainee has an extensive criminal record that includes crimes such as aggravated homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, forced disappearance, manufacturing, trafficking, and possession of firearms, and aggravated theft. Furthermore, his involvement is being investigated in a case of extortion that occurred in the Colombia neighborhood of Palmira just ten days after his release from prison. The detainee had previously been arrested for homicide but was released due to the expiration of legal deadlines. Photo: Private Recidivism and release due to expiration of legal deadlines One of the key points highlighted by the authorities is the recent legal situation of "Panda." According to the official report, the individual had previously been arrested for the homicide of a Venezuelan citizen in the Techo Azul sector, in the Amaime corregimiento, which occurred in January 2025. However, on March 26, 2026, he regained his freedom due to the expiration of legal deadlines. Authorities have intensified operations against crime in Palmira. Photo: Metropolitan Police of Cali Weeks after leaving the prison, he allegedly participated in the armed attack in which the athlete Orejuela and another person accompanying him were killed. Progress in regional security The Governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, highlighted the speed of the investigation, which allowed for the clarification of the double homicide in less than a month. The official reiterated that the fight against organized crime remains a priority in the department to protect the lives of citizens and youth leaders. READ ALSO For their part, the command of the Valle Police emphasized that more than 100 arrests related to hired killings have been made in Palmira so far this year. The detainee was handed over to the competent authority for the determination of his legal situation and the corresponding charges for aggravated homicide. This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from the Government of Valle del Cauca and the Valle Police. It was also reviewed by a journalist and an editor. See more news on EL TIEMPO. María Claudia Tarazona and her electoral support. Photo: Follow all the information from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERS Register for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed with what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWS Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPP Join the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up-to-date with the most relevant news at the moment. EL TIEMPO APP Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL Reliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.