Camilo Villegas’ Uncle Ernesto Villegas Zuluaga Shot Dead In Colombia

Colombian Golfer Camilo Villegas is home from Florida for funeral services for his uncle and godfather 53 year-old Ernesto Villegas Zuluaga. Zuluaga was assassinated Saturday during an attempted robbery of his coffee trading business in the town of Chinchiná which is 170 kilometers to the west of Bogota on the outskirts of Manizales. A family member named Ruben Dario told reporters it was a typical robbery and Zuluaga was not targeted because of his famous nephew. The two robbers, who were after funds Zuluaga planned to use to buy coffee beans according to a local official Henry Murillo, broke in with guns and demanded he hand over the money. Zuluaga attempted to rush them resulting in a gun shot to his arm. The bullet traveled to his heart and he died minutes later on route to San Marcos de Chinchiná hospital. The two men escaped via motorcycle, according to witnesses, but authorities say they have their photographs. They’ve also got the town of Chinchiná and the highways of the area called the Coffee Axis on lockdown and an award equivalent to $10, 000 is being offered for information leading to their arrest. Camilo released the following statement upon learning the news of his uncle’s death.

I was very saddened to learn of the death of my Uncle Ernesto, but even more saddened to learn of the tragic, and completely senseless, circumstances in which he died. Ernesto was a wonderful man, and I am proud to not only call him my uncle, but also my godfather. I will miss him very much. I truly appreciate all of the kind support I have received already, and thank everyone in advance for respecting my family’s privacy during this difficult time.

Colombia: Asesinado tío del golfista colombiano Camilo Villegas [Houston Chronicle en Español]
Camilo Villegas statement [PGA]