Ecuador Prosecutor Investigating Boat Attack Allegations Is Fatally Shot

An Ecuadorian prosecutor, Gloria Alexandra Bravo Cedeño, was shot and killed on June 14 in Manta as she left a café, along with her sister. Bravo had been investigating alleged attacks on civilian fishing boats, disappearances, and mistreatment that reportedly could involve U.S. personnel. Her death has heightened concerns about Ecuador’s justice system, after a prior investigation encountered institutional resistance and produced no public charges or findings. Bravo, a veteran prosecutor in Manabí province and based at the Multicompetent Prosecutor’s Office in Montecristi near Manta, handled cases including homicides, kidnappings, contract killings and organized crime. She was also linked to maritime investigations involving a June 6 fire at the fishing port and the December 2024 disappearance of the vessel Patricia Lynn.