Jonnier Ronaldo Paredes Toncón facing charges for the alleged femicide of Gabriela Santana

The nation is still reeling from the heinous crime allegedly committed against Gabriela Santana, a nine-year-old girl from Arauca. Jonnier Ronaldo Paredes Toncón is now being processed and is in jail while the case continues. The crime that occurred last year is causing national outrage and is sparking debates about the protection of minors.

Details of the Capture and Formal Accusation

As Noticias Caracol reports, Paredes Toncón was captured thanks to a joint effort by the Technical Investigation Corps (CTI) and the Sijin in Arauca. According to Colonel Carlos Angarita Antolinez, commander of the Arauca Police Department, the support of the Cravo Norte community and the Mochuelos indigenous community was crucial in locating and apprehending the suspect (Hernández Perdomo, 2025). Paredes Toncón is currently being charged with aggravated femicide and aggravated carnal access.

Despite not admitting responsibility, the gravity of the charges has led to him being remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings. The Prosecutor General's Office is reportedly working tirelessly to gather all necessary evidence to ensure justice for Gabriela and her family.

The Tragic Events of March 2023

The investigation indicates that on March 23, 2023, Paredes Toncón allegedly approached Gabriela Santana while she was playing near her home. The Prosecutor's Office believes he took advantage of her defenseless state, sexually assaulted her, and then attacked her with a sharp weapon before abandoning her body near the Casanare River in Hato Corozal (Hernández Perdomo, 2025). Gabriela’s remains were discovered two days later by volunteer firefighters from Cravo Norte. The Casanare River is now a lasting painful reminder of the crime.

Context of Violence Against Minors in Colombia

This devastating case underscores the urgent need to address the persistent issue of violence against minors in Colombia. The ICBF (Colombian Institute of Family Welfare), the Prosecutor's Office, and the National Police are working and providing resources for reporting abuse and violence. It's crucial for the nation to assist where needed.

According to data from the ICBF, thousands of cases of child abuse are reported annually, highlighting the magnitude of the problem. These statistics include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. The Santana case is prompting conversations about strengthening child protection policies and ensuring effective intervention and support systems for vulnerable children.

Available Resources for Victims of Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence

Noticias Caracol emphasizes that help is available for victims of sexual or domestic violence. They provide a list of institutions where help can be found:

  • ICBF
  • EPS (Health Promoting Entities)
  • Prosecutor's Office
  • Police
  • Educational Institutions
  • Personería (Ombudsman's Office)
  • Defensoría del Pueblo (People's Defender's Office)
  • Procuraduría (Inspector General's Office)

Specific helplines are also available, including:

  • Línea Púrpura in Bogotá: 018000 112137, WhatsApp 3007551846, or email lpurpura@sdmujer.gov.co
  • Línea 123 Mujer Antioquia or email linea123ma@antioquia.gov.co
  • National Helpline: 155
  • National Police: 123
  • Fiscalía General de la Nación (Attorney General's Office): 122
  • Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (Colombian Family Welfare Institute): 018000 918080
  • Protection Line for Children and Adolescents: 141
  • ICBF Specialized Line for Prevention and Care of Sexual Violence: 018000112440

The Role of the Community and Future Prevention

The community's involvement in the capture of Jonnier Ronaldo Paredes Toncón highlights the importance of collective action in preventing and addressing violence against children. Continued vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities are essential to protecting vulnerable members of society. Manuela Hernández Perdomo (2025) emphasizes acting quickly.

Educational programs aimed at raising awareness about child abuse and promoting healthy relationships are also crucial. By fostering a culture of respect and protection, Colombia can work towards preventing future tragedies like the one that befell Gabriela Santana. The legal system must be diligent to ensure justice is served.

References

Hernández Perdomo, M. (2025, April 5). Señalado feminicida de Gabriela Santana, niña de 9 años de Arauca, fue enviado a prisión. Noticias Caracol. Retrieved from https://www.noticiascaracol.com/colombia/senalado-feminicida-de-gabriela-santana-nina-de-9-anos-de-arauca-fue-enviado-a-prision-rg10