Mexican restaurant owner killed in Bogotá for lack of cash

A tragedy struck the Puente Aranda community in Bogotá on the evening of Tuesday, August 5 , following a violent robbery at a Mexican food business located at the intersection of Third Street and 31A Avenue. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. , shortly before the establishment was scheduled to close, and resulted in the tragic loss of William Nova , its owner.

According to witness accounts, a group of criminals broke into the restaurant demanding the day's earnings. After assaulting the workers , they took the owner to the establishment's restrooms, where they intimidated him and forced him to hand over the money. Nova, who is 56 , mentioned that most of the day's transactions were made through digital platforms , so he only had a minimal amount of cash on him .

Enraged at not getting what they expected, the criminals attacked him with extreme violence, stole his cell phone, and fled. Two of them fled toward "NQS Avenue," while Nova, mortally wounded, remained in the restaurant bathroom. According to the restaurant's staff, the police arrived approximately "30 minutes after" being alerted by an emergency call, by which time the man had already succumbed to the severity of his injuries.

The victim, who was known as a diligent and well-liked man, had two children and supported his family through the business. Following his death, the restaurant will close its doors , resulting in the loss of jobs for several employees who relied financially on the business.

Authorities have begun an investigation to locate and arrest the perpetrators , who remain at large . This incident has sparked outrage in the community and has once again raised concerns about the lack of security affecting merchants and residents in the capital city.

"They have cut short the life of an excellent person" due to the lack of sufficient income, since a large amount had already been disbursed to the platforms," declared a restaurant employee in an interview with "Noticias Caracol." William Nova's family members demand "justice" and urgently call on the authorities to ensure "security" in Bogotá's neighborhoods.