John Poulos jailed for 42 years for femicide of Colombian DJ

·

American man John Poulos has been sentenced to more than 42 years in prison by a Colombian court, after he was found guilty of aggravated femicide in the killing of a young Colombian DJ named Valentina Trespalacios.

In Colombia, femicide — the killing of a woman because of her gender — is considered a more serious crime than homicide. Under Colombian law, femicide is often punished with a higher penalty.

The killing of Trespalacios occurred in Bogotá in January 2023, and has since captured public attention in Colombia.

According to accounts from her family and lawyers who took her case, Trespalacios had been in a romantic relationship with Poulos since 2021.

Colombian DJ named Valentina Trespalacios.
Colombian DJ named Valentina Trespalacios.

In a statement after the court ruling on Tuesday, the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia said its prosecutors had proven that Poulos struck and suffocated his partner and tried to hide the body in a suitcase.

The judge imposed a prison sentence of 42 years and eight months – about five years less than what prosecutors had requested.

Poulos has also been prohibited from approaching or attempting to communicate with Trespalacios’ family for 20 years, and the judge ordered that he be expelled from Colombia once he completes his sentence.

Poulos’ defence team has said it will appeal the judgement. It had argued that Poulos was innocent of femicide and that he should instead be tried for homicide, which would carry a lesser sentence.

The victim’s legal team, meanwhile, celebrated the sentence, saying it recognises that Trespalacios was a victim of various types of violence.

Source: CNN.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Greek olive oils win big at Anatolian Oil Competition

Olive oils from all over Greece have taken home high scores at this year’s Anatolian International Olive Oil Competition. 

Konstantina Sideris: Sacred impressions through art

Amidst the reverence and reflection of Greek Orthodox Easter, we highlight the work of artist Konstantina Sideris.

Bus driver Brett Andrew Button sentenced to 32 years over the Hunter Valley crash

Brett Andrew Button has been sentenced to 32 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 24 years, for the Hunter Valley bus crash in 2023.