Key Figure in Uribe Turbay Assassination Seeks Reduced Sentence Through Plea Deal
A potential plea agreement offered to Katerine Martínez, known as “Gabriela,” could significantly reduce her sentence in connection with the 2023 assassination of Colombian politician Miguel Uribe Turbay. Martínez is accused of playing a crucial role in the planning and execution of the murder, which occurred on June 7th of last year in Bogotá’s El Golfito park.
Martínez is one of nine individuals arrested in connection with the assassination of the Democratic Center pre-candidate and senator. The attack was carried out by a 15-year-old boy wielding a Glock 9-millimeter pistol, while Uribe Turbay was surrounded by supporters. Investigations revealed that Martínez was instrumental in coordinating the movements of those involved and, critically, allegedly facilitated the transfer of the weapon to the minor assailant.
According to authorities, Martínez met with Elder José Arteaga, alias “Chipi,” shortly before the attack to hand over the firearm. Further investigation indicated she also met with Simeón Pérez Marroquín at El Triángulo bar in Bogotá to receive the weapon intended for the candidate’s assassination. She is currently detained at El Buen Pastor prison, having been transferred from Florencia in October.
The Prosecutor’s Office initially charged Martínez with aggravated homicide, aggravated illegal possession of weapons, and aggravated conspiracy to commit a crime. However, the proposed pre-agreement, discussed during a hearing on Tuesday before Judge Lilyan Bastidas, offers a potential reduction in these charges in exchange for a guilty plea.
“In the development of these conversations, it was carried out as a proposal from the Prosecutor’s Office recognize the linked party as the only benefit of the penalty provided for the accomplice,” stated a prosecutor during the hearing. Under the proposed agreement, the charge of aggravated homicide could be reduced to a sentence of 250 months in prison, with an additional two months for each of the other charges – conspiracy and illegal weapons possession – totaling 254 months, or 21 years and two months.
The judge must still endorse the agreement for it to be valid and result in a first-instance conviction. Martínez has requested assurances regarding her security during confinement and has pledged to offer a public apology to the Uribe family. Representatives of the victims and the Attorney General’s Office have expressed no opposition to the pre-agreement, though they have raised some concerns regarding accessory penalties.
This development marks a significant turn in the investigation, as Martínez is the third individual to pursue a plea agreement in the case, following the minor hitman and Carlos Eduardo Mora. The outcome of the plea agreement will likely shape the broader legal proceedings against the remaining individuals implicated in the assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay.
