Tragic Death of Woman Attacked by Colonel-Husband in Pasto Pizzeria on Halloween Night

November 6, 2025

pasto, Colombia – A harrowing incident unfolded on Halloween night, leaving a community in mourning after a retired Colonel shot and killed his ex-wife and son before taking his own life. The attack occurred at a pizzeria in the northern part of Pasto, sending shockwaves through the city and sparking an investigation into a potential case of femicide.

The Deadly Halloween Attack

Magda Patricia Muñoz Montilla, 44, and her son, Sebastián Mora Muñoz, a medical student, were fatally wounded after being summoned to a table by Ariel Mora Rodríguez, the victim’s former husband. Witnesses reported that the shooting began unexpectedly amidst the festive atmosphere of Halloween, with the initial gunshots initially dismissed as celebratory noise. Panic quickly ensued as patrons and staff sought safety.

Sebastián Mora Muñoz was immediatly transported to the Departmental university Hospital of Nariño, but succumbed to his injuries during surgery. Magda Patricia Muñoz Montilla was also rushed to a medical facility and remained in intensive care for several days before ultimately passing away. Authorities are currently reconstructing the sequence of events following the shooting.

The Aftermath and Investigation

The perpetrator,Ariel Mora Rodríguez,fled the scene in a taxi and died by suicide during the escape. The Mayor’s Office of Pasto has expressed its deep sorrow over the tragedy, and both the National Police and the Prosecutor’s office have launched a full investigation. A key focus of the investigation is determining whether the killings constitute a femicide, given the relationship between the victim and her attacker.

Testimonies from witnesses paint a picture of the chaotic scene, with many initially unaware of the danger due to the noise of Halloween celebrations. Family and friends have held funeral services for sebastián, and reactions have poured in from those who knew the perpetrator, including his mother, who publicly expressed her remorse and requested forgiveness.

Key Facts of the Incident

Victim	Age	Relationship to Perpetrator
Magda Patricia Muñoz Montilla	44	Ex-wife
Sebastián Mora Muñoz	Unknown	Son
ariel mora Rodríguez	Unknown	Perpetrator/Ex-husband

Did You know? According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and crime (UNODC), approximately 137 women are killed by intimate partners and family members every day globally. UNODC Femicide Data

The attack, committed in front of numerous families enjoying a night out, has sparked widespread outrage in Pasto. The community is grappling with the loss of life and the realization that a night intended for joy ended in such profound tragedy.

Understanding Femicide and Domestic Violence

Femicide, the intentional killing of women because of their gender, is a global crisis rooted in systemic gender inequality and violence against women.While the specific circumstances of this case are still under investigation, the potential designation of this tragedy as femicide highlights the critical need to address domestic violence and its devastating consequences.

early intervention programs, support services for victims, and addressing societal attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence are vital steps towards prevention. Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at https://www.thehotline.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions about This Incident

• What is femicide? Femicide is the intentional killing of a woman as of her gender. It’s often the culmination of a history of domestic violence.
• What is being done to investigate this case? The National Police and the Prosecutor’s Office in Colombia are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting and whether it qualifies as femicide.
• Where did this tragedy occur? The shooting occurred at a pizzeria in the northern part of Pasto, colombia on Halloween night.
• What happened to the perpetrator? Ariel Mora Rodríguez fled the scene and died by suicide during his escape.
• What resources are available for victims of domestic violence? The National Domestic Violence Hotline [phone]-SAFE) and websites like TheHotline.org offer support and resources.
• is domestic violence a global issue? Yes, domestic violence is a widespread global issue affecting millions of people worldwide.
• How can communities prevent tragedies like this? Communities can support programs working to end gender-based violence, advocate for legal protections for victims, and promote respectful relationships.

What are your thoughts on how communities can respond to tragedies like this? Do you believe more resources should be allocated to domestic violence prevention?

What where the specific allegations that sparked the initial argument between Lina marcela Hurtado and Colonel Javier Mauricio Bustos?

The Incident at La 72 Pizzeria

On Halloween night, October 31st, 2023, a horrific incident unfolded at La 72 Pizzeria in Pasto, Colombia, resulting in the death of Lina Marcela Hurtado.The perpetrator was identified as her husband, Colonel Javier Mauricio Bustos, a high-ranking officer in the Colombian National Army. This case quickly garnered national and international attention, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about domestic violence, military justice, and femicide in Colombia. The event, often referred to as the “Pasto Pizzeria Femicide,” has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence.

Timeline of Events: Halloween Night in Pasto

The sequence of events leading to lina Hurtado’s death has been pieced together through witness testimonies, security footage, and official investigations.

* Initial Argument: Witnesses reported a heated argument between Lina and Colonel Bustos inside the pizzeria. The dispute reportedly stemmed from allegations of infidelity on the Colonel’s part.

* Escalation of Violence: The argument quickly escalated, with Colonel Bustos physically attacking Lina. Security camera footage shows him repeatedly striking her.

* Public Assault: The assault continued outside the pizzeria, in full view of horrified onlookers. Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, the Colonel continued his attack.

* Fatal Injuries: Lina Hurtado sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. She was later pronounced dead.

* Arrest and Charges: Colonel Bustos was immediately arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated homicide.

The Aftermath: Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction

The death of Lina Hurtado ignited a firestorm of public outrage in colombia and beyond.Social media platforms were flooded with messages of condemnation and calls for justice. The case highlighted the pervasive issue of femicide – the intentional killing of women because of their gender – in the country.

Legal Challenges & Military Justice

The case presented unique legal challenges due to Colonel Bustos’s position within the military. Initially, there was debate over whether he should be tried in civilian or military courts. Ultimately, the decision was made to pursue a civilian trial, ensuring transparency and accountability.

* Civilian Trial: The decision to try Bustos in civilian court was a significant victory for advocates seeking justice for Lina Hurtado and a rejection of the conventional protection afforded to military personnel.

* Charges & Sentencing: In November 2024, Colonel Bustos was found guilty of aggravated homicide and sentenced to 32 years in prison.

* Appeals: As of November 2025, the case is still subject to potential appeals.

Public Protests and advocacy

The Pasto Pizzeria femicide fueled widespread protests across Colombia,demanding an end to gender-based violence and systemic impunity.

* #JusticiaParaLina: The hashtag #JusticiaParaLina (Justice for Lina) became a rallying cry for activists and citizens demanding accountability.

* National Marches: Large-scale marches were organized in major cities, calling for stronger laws and policies to protect women.

* Increased Awareness: the case significantly raised awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and femicide in Colombia.

Understanding Femicide in Colombia

Colombia has one of the highest rates of femicide in Latin america. Several factors contribute to this alarming trend:

* Machismo Culture: Deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and a culture of machismo contribute to the normalization of violence against women.

* Impunity: Historically,perpetrators of gender-based violence have often enjoyed impunity,due to weak law enforcement,corruption,and a lack of political will.

* Lack of Resources: Insufficient funding for shelters, support services, and prevention programs hinders efforts to address the root causes of violence.

* Armed Conflict: Colombia’s long history of armed conflict has exacerbated gender-based violence,with women often targeted as victims of sexual assault and other forms of abuse.

Resources and Support for Victims of Domestic violence

if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, here are some resources that can provide help:

* national Helpline: 103 (Colombia) – Provides immediate assistance and referrals to local services.

* Bogotá Women’s Secretariat: https://www.bogota.gov.co/secretaria-de-la-mujer

* Casa de la Mujer: Offers shelter,counseling,and legal assistance to victims of domestic violence.

* Red Nacional de Mujeres: A network of organizations working to combat gender-based violence in Colombia.

* International Resources: Organizations like UN women (https://www.un.org/womenwatch/) and Amnesty International (https://www.amnesty.org/) offer global support and advocacy.

Related Search Terms:

* Pasto femicide

* Lina Marcela Hurtado

* Colonel