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La Serena Prison Killing Leads to Chief’s Removal and Maximum-Security Transfer

Officials cite failures such as a camera-free cell and unexecuted transfers as investigators await autopsy results.

Overview

  • Victim Felipe Sebastián Sepúlveda, 26, was found dead in Cell 20 of Module 91, and fellow inmate Manuel Ignacio Fuentes, 21, admitted responsibility during the morning unlock.
  • In his statement, Fuentes claimed he acted in self-defense and confessed to mutilating the body and consuming parts, according to internal reports.
  • The cell lacked surveillance cameras, was sealed for forensic examinations, and prison health staff confirmed the death at 9:35.
  • Both men had transfer orders issued on Feb. 4—Fuentes to Rancagua and Sepúlveda to Antofagasta—that were not carried out.
  • National gendarmerie director Rubén Pérez dismissed the prison chief for a lack of control, and media report the accused was moved to a maximum-security prison in Santiago as proceedings continue.