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May 06, 2026 – Colombia –
A Colombian court has sentenced Ledinwint Yesith Díaz Mercado to 43 years and six months in prison for the 2024 murder of journalist Mardonio de Jesús Mejía Mendoza in the municipality of San Pedro, Sucre, according to reports from Colombian media and the Attorney General’s Office.
The ruling found Díaz Mercado guilty of aggravated homicide and weapons-related offenses connected to the fatal shooting of the veteran broadcaster, who was widely known in the region for his reporting on local politics, security issues, and rural affairs. Authorities said the attack took place on January 24, 2024, inside the building that housed Mejía’s community radio station, Sonora Estéreo.
Investigators stated that Díaz Mercado entered the premises with another individual while armed and waited for the journalist to be vulnerable before opening fire. Prosecutors said Mejía was shot several times from behind and later died while being transported to a medical center. Surveillance footage and other evidence reportedly helped authorities trace the suspects’ movements before and after the attack, including the route used to flee the scene.
The Colombian Attorney General’s Office said investigators from the Special Investigation Unit gathered testimony, video evidence, and forensic findings during the case. Officials also concluded that Mejía was in a defenseless position during the shooting.
Following the killing, Díaz Mercado was arrested and transferred to La Vega prison in Sincelejo while legal proceedings continued. Prosecutors formally charged him two days after the murder.
Mejía had worked in journalism for more than two decades and hosted the program Amanecer Campesino, which focused on community concerns and agricultural issues in Sucre. In addition to his media work, he was involved with a local cattle ranchers’ federation.
The sentencing marks a major development in the case, though Colombian authorities indicated the decision remains subject to appeal under the country’s legal system.
Press freedom organizations in Colombia have called for protections for regional journalists, warning that reporters covering corruption, violence, and politics outside major cities continue to face intimidation, threats, and deadly attacks despite ongoing investigations and criminal prosecutions.
Reference –
Man sentenced to 43 years for murder of Colombian journalist Mardonio de Jesús Mejía
