Third Colombian Admits Role in Killing of U.S. Agent
A third Colombian pleaded guilty Wednesday to participating in the kidnap and murder of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent in Bogota last year, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Hector Leonardo Lopez, 34, was part of a gang who targeted DEA agent James Watson for a so-called "millionaire's ride" in June 2013.
The violent street crime sees individuals believed to be wealthy lured into taxi cabs before they are kidnapped and robbed.
Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiring to kidnap and aiding and abetting Watson's murder in a court in the U.S. state of Virginia, and will be sentenced in December.
Six other defendants have also been charged with involvement in the killing. Two of the men had already pleaded guilty.
.US. Attorney General Eric Holder said the latest guilty plea "marks yet another significant step forward in our effort to achieve justice for Special Agent (James) Terry Watson."
"We will never rest in our commitment to hold accountable all those responsible for his murder," Holder said.
Lopez was part of the group that targeted Watson outside a restaurant in Bogota.
Two men jumped into the cab and attacked Watson with a stun gun and knife before the agent managed to scramble out of the car. Watson later collapsed and died from his injuries.
Lopez admitted to driving a second taxi that carried the two attackers, and to taking out money at various banks using stolen bank cards.
Source: Agence France Presse
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