A Colombian national has been brought to justice for his role in the kidnapping and murder of a DEA agent in 2013, in a shocking case that highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officials abroad.
Julio Estiven Gracia Ramirez, 31, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the murder of an internationally protected person and conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The crime was committed on June 20, 2013, when Special Agent James Terry Watson was kidnapped and murdered in Bogotá, Colombia. Gracia Ramirez and his conspirators had targeted Watson, who they believed to be wealthy, and had lured him into a taxi cab before subjecting him to a brutal attack.
Gracia Ramirez admitted to targeting Watson and picking him up outside a Bogotá restaurant in his taxi. Two conspirators then entered the taxi and used a stun gun to shock Watson and a knife to stab him. Watson was able to escape from the taxi, but he later collapsed and died from his injuries.
Gracia Ramirez faces sentencing on December 5, 2014, and could face significant prison time for his crimes.
The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, and DSS, in close cooperation with Colombian authorities and with assistance from INTERPOL and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The defendant, Julio Estiven Gracia Ramirez, is a Colombian national who has been extradited to the United States to face justice for his crimes. He has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the murder of an internationally protected person and conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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