16:00 | Trujillo (La Libertad region), Oct. 2.
The Third Collegiate Criminal Court in Trujillo sentenced
30-year-old Jhonsson Cruz Torres, alias "Jhonsson Pulpo," to 35 years in prison for the robbery and murder of Santos Juliana Eustaquio Gonzalez, known as "La Reina de la Papa" (The Potato Queen).
The incident dates back to 2020 in El Porvenir province, Trujillo province, Peru's northern La Libertad region.
"Jhonsson Pulpo" had been sentenced to life imprisonment in the same case, but since he had been tried in absentia, the proceedings were reopened.
During the hearing, "Jhonsson Pulpo" opted for the special early termination procedure, which resulted in his sentence being reduced to 35 years in prison.
The case dates back to 2020, when Santos Juliana Eustaquio Gonzalez, a well-known 60-year-old merchant at La Hermelinda Market, was attacked by Cruz Torres while riding in a mototaxi in El Porvenir.
Jhonsson snatched Eustaquio's bag, then shot her and fled with the stolen money.
The merchant sustained two gunshot wounds.
Following the attack, "Jhonsson Pulpo" fled the scene with the money, while the incident was captured by security cameras installed in the area.
Security footage
During the proceedings, footage captured by security cameras was presented as evidence and would demonstrate Cruz Torres' involvement.
The footage clearly shows his face and movements on the day of the crime.
Additionally, the cameras later captured "Jhonsson Pulpo" carrying the bag stolen from the victim and wearing the same clothes he had worn hours earlier during the attack.
Still facing trial
Despite the sentence, "Jhonsson Pulpo" is still facing several pending proceedings for homicide, extortion, robbery, and kidnapping.
Among the most recent cases is the kidnapping of mining businessman Jenns Lara Tantaquilla.
The case involves the murder of his four companions, which took place in the early hours of August 30 in the city of Trujillo.
According to the Public Ministry (Prosecutor's Office), Cruz Torres is believed to be the leader of Los Pulpos criminal organization.
While hiding in Bolivia, he planned and directed the crimes in an attempt to collect a ransom worth millions for the businessman's release.
(END) LPZ/MAO/MVB
Published: 10/2/2026