In a major breakthrough, Marco Antonio Parra RodrĂguezâthe man believed to be behind the tragic death of young Emily Villalbaâhas been captured by authorities in a remote area of FacatativĂĄ, Cundinamarca.
The dramatic arrest came after a citizen tip-off, encouraged by a 20 million peso reward, led police straight to the fugitiveâs hideout. A recently released video captures the powerful moment Parra, dressed in a blue jacket and jeans, is surrounded by officers who calmly read him his rights and serve the arrest warrant.
This arrest marks a significant step toward justice for Emily, whose heartbreaking case has shaken the nation.

A wave of relief swept through the community of ChocontĂĄ after authorities confirmed the arrest of Marco Antonio Parra RodrĂguez, the main suspect in the heartbreaking murder of 15-year-old Emily Villalba.
The arrest took place in a remote area of FacatativĂĄ, Cundinamarca, following a coordinated operation by security forces. A citizenâs tip, encouraged by a reward of up to 20 million pesos, led authorities directly to Parraâs location. In a newly released video, Parraâwearing a blue jacket and jeansâis seen standing still, eyes cast downward and hands clasped, as officers calmly read him his rights and place him in handcuffs.
He was transported in a patrol car and is now in police custody.
Parra became a person of interest during the investigation into Emilyâs disappearance. The teen had last been seen leaving a dental appointment and heading home in the Pueblo Viejo neighborhood. When she didnât arrive, her worried family began a desperate search. Security footage soon emerged, showing Emily walking alongside a manâfootage that proved crucial in identifying Parra as the prime suspect.
Tragically, just hours later, Emilyâs lifeless body was discovered in a wooded area. Initial autopsy reports revealed multiple bruises and lacerations on her neck, painting a grim picture of the violence she endured. Her death sent shockwaves through the local community and the entire department of Cundinamarca.
Governor Jorge Rey, visibly moved, confirmed the suspectâs arrest and commended the swift work of law enforcement. âAmid the sadness that overwhelms us due to the horrific death of a 15-year-old girl in ChocontĂĄ, I must give you some good news: we have captured Marco Antonio Parra,â he stated.
Rey also promised that authorities would leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. âWe assure you that we will follow through to ensure that sanctions and exemplary sentences are imposed, so that tragedies like this never happen again.â
Emilyâs murder has become a rallying cry for justice across Colombia. As legal proceedings begin, the people of ChocontĂĄâand beyondâare demanding accountability and action to protect the most vulnerable.
âTo Emilyâs family, our deepest solidarity,â said Governor Rey. âWe are committed to ensuring this crime does not go unpunished.â
Emily Villalbaâs tragic death is not an isolated caseâit adds to a growing and deeply troubling pattern of gender-based violence that has left communities across Colombia in grief and outrage. Her story has become a symbol of both the vulnerability faced by young women and the urgent need for systemic change.
While the arrest of Marco Antonio Parra RodrĂguez marks a critical step toward justice, it also underscores the pressing need to reinforce national efforts to prevent violence against women and girls. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to uncovering the full truth behind Emilyâs murder and ensuring the perpetrator faces the full weight of the law.
As the investigation continues, so does the call for action. Emilyâs memory now fuels a nationwide demandânot just for justice, but for lasting reform and protection for those who need it most.