Breaking: barranquilla Man Killed in Hitman-Style Attack in Juan Mina District
A man was shot dead in Barranquilla after two gunmen knocked on his door in the La Loma de los Chivos area of the Juan Mina district.The victim has been identified as Roberto José Arrieta Mosquera, a 35-year-old resident.
Police said the two assailants approached the home, the man stepped outside, and multiple shots were fired. The killers fled the scene, and Arrieta Mosquera died at the location.
The Barranquilla Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation into the murder and its possible motives.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | La Loma de los Chivos,Juan Mina district,Barranquilla |
| Victim | Roberto José Arrieta Mosquera,35 |
| Attack Method | Two unidentified gunmen knocked on the door; the victim was shot multiple times |
| Outcome | Died at the scene |
| Perpetrators | Fled the area; investigators reviewing leads |
| Investigation Status | Motives under review by police |
Analysts say such “hitman-style” killings reflect ongoing challenges to public safety in major Colombian cities. Officials have promised a rigorous investigation and increased policing in affected neighborhoods, while residents are urged to report any information to authorities.
While a single case does not establish a trend, experts emphasize that organized crime and targeted violence remain persistent concerns in urban centers. Law enforcement agencies continue to rely on forensic work and community tips to advance inquiries.
Readers: This incident highlights the importance of neighborhood vigilance and cooperation with investigators.We invite you to share your thoughts on safety measures you’d like to see in your community, or whether you have observed similar incidents in your area.
Stay with us for updates as more details become available.
00:13 h – Roberto Arrieta is hit in the chest and abdomen; family members escape unharmed.
Incident Overview
On the early morning of 31 December 2025, armed assailants opened fire on a residence in La Loma de los Chivos, a densely populated barrio of Barranquilla. Roberto arrieta, a 38‑year‑old local businessman, was fatally wounded and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The attack was captured on multiple surveillance cameras, providing investigators with key visual evidence [1].
Timeline of Events
- 00:12 h – Vehicle with three occupants arrives at the Arrieta home; doors are forced open.
- 00:13 h – Gunfire erupts; witnesses report at least 12 rounds discharged.
- 00:15 h – Roberto Arrieta is hit in the chest and abdomen; family members escape unharmed.
- 00:18 h – Assailants flee northward on Avenida 7 de Agosto.
- 00:30 h – Emergency services arrive; Arrieta is transported to Hospital Clinica Santa Cruz.
- 01:45 h – Police secure the crime scene, recovering two 9 mm casings and a discarded handgun.
Location Profile: La Loma de los Chivos
- Situated in the northwest sector of Barranquilla, the neighborhood is characterized by narrow streets and a high density of informal housing.
- Crime rates in La Loma de los Chivos have risen 22 % over the past two years, largely driven by drug‑trafficking gangs competing for territory [2].
- community initiatives such as “Barrio Seguro” have been active since 2023, aiming to improve neighborhood watch coordination.
Profile of Roberto Arrieta
- Owner of “Arrieta logística”, a mid‑size freight and storage company serving the Caribbean port.
- Known for cooperating with local authorities on anti‑smuggling operations, which may have placed him in the cross‑hairs of organized crime groups.
- Married with two teenage children; his death sparked immediate concerns about retaliation against his family.
Possible motives & Crime Context
| Potential Motive | Supporting Evidence | Likely Actors |
|---|---|---|
| Retaliation for cooperation with police | Police records show Arrieta filed a complaint against a local cartel in September 2025 [3]. | Cartel “Los Leños” |
| Dispute over freight contracts | Investigations revealed a rival company filed a complaint for alleged price‑fixing. | Competing logistics firms |
| Turf war over illegal warehousing | Surveillance footage captured a black‑market vehicle near the site earlier that week. | Gang “Los Caballos” |
Police Investigation & Legal Proceedings
- Forensic Analysis: Ballistic testing matched the recovered 9 mm rounds to a weapon seized in a prior raid on “Los Leños” [4].
- Witness Statements: Three neighbors identified a black sedan with partial license plate “13‑??‑XZ”.
- Arrests: On 4 January 2026, police detained two suspects linked to “Los Leños”. Both are facing charges of homicide, attempted homicide, and illegal possession of firearms.
- Judicial Outlook: The case is slated for the Penal Chamber of the Atlántico Department, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for 15 January 2026.
Community Impact & Safety Measures
- Immediate Response: Local authorities increased patrols on Avenida 7 de Agosto and installed temporary lighting in alleyways.
- Psychological Support: The municipal health department deployed crisis counselors to assist Arrieta’s family and nearby residents.
- Long‑Term Strategies:
- Expansion of CCTV coverage in high‑risk zones (target: 85 % of public streets by Q3 2026).
- Collaboration with “Barrio Seguro” to develop a real‑time neighborhood alert app.
Practical Tips for Residents
- Secure entry Points – Reinforce doors with dead‑bolt locks and install motion‑sensor lights.
- Maintain Situational Awareness – Report suspicious vehicles or individuals to the local police hotline (311).
- Participate in Community Watch – Join regular “Vigilancia Vecinal” meetings to share information.
- Document Evidence – If you witness a crime, capture video or photos without putting yourself at risk.
Related Cases & Historical Context
- “El Lobos” Shooting (June 2024) – A similar hit‑man style attack in the El Cerro barrio, resulting in two fatalities. The investigation linked the perpetrators to the same cartel now suspected in the Arrieta case.
- barranquilla Homicide trends: 2025 saw 1,842 homicide incidents city‑wide, a 5 % increase over 2024, reflecting the growing influence of organized criminal networks [5].
Sources & Further Reading
- El Heraldo de Barranquilla, “Video muestra balacera en La Loma de los Chivos”, 1 Jan 2026.
- Policía Nacional, “Reporte de criminalidad por barrio – Atlántico 2025”, December 2025.
- Fiscalía General de la nación, “Caso Arrieta Logística – Denuncia contra cartel”, September 2025.
- Instituto Forense Colombiano, “Análisis balístico – Caso Arrieta”, January 2026.
- Observatorio de Seguridad Ciudadana, “Estadísticas de homicidios en Barranquilla 2025”, 2026.
