The armed attack on Isla Mocolí, Samborondón (part of the Guayaquil), went down on the night of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, leaving three people dead and one security guard wounded.

Authorities identified the victims as Stalin Rolando Olivero Vargas, known as “Marino,” labeled by the Ministry of the Interior as a high-value target and alleged leader of the criminal group Los Lagartos; Josué Mina Vergara, also referred to in some reports as Richard Mina; and a third victim whose identity varies depending on the source, listed in a police report as Estalin Rolando Olivero Vargas, while early media reports name him as Jefferson Sanlon.

The hit happened at the sports courts inside the upscale Golf Club gated community on Mocolí Island. A group of armed men carrying pistols and rifles — some reportedly dressed as police and military — managed to get past private security and stormed the social area, opening fire directly on the victims.