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Running Headlines: DEATH OF PABLO ESCOBAR 0

Death of Pablo Escobar

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The death of Pablo Escobar had a major contradiction in that it was not clear who pulled the last trigger that killed him. Both the authorities and the family had their versions of events of what transpired on that fateful moment. The following discussion is going to compare and contrast the two sources that were contradicting stories on Escobar’s death. The two sources are Los Angeles Times and New York Post.

According to Los Angeles Times dated 3rd December 1993, Escobar was killed during the shootout between him and a troop of soldiers who had surrounded him. The authorities claimed that he was first shot his legs where he fell, before being shot in the head. This version event has been supported by the American government which also took part in the war against the drug lord. The Columbian government confirmed that indeed the leader of Medellin Cartel had been gunned by the particular team mandated to take down the drug kingpin. On the other hand, his son Juan Pablo Escobar through New York Post claims he is sure that his father shot himself in his ears something that he had planned to do in case he was cornered. The sun narrates how his father always had fifteen bullets of which fourteen were for his enemies and one for himself. Pablo Escobar had always preferred killing himself than being captured.

Juan Pablo Escobar through New York Post affirmed that his allegations are not baseless since the true results of his father’s autopsy have never been revealed to the public. The initial reports indicated that his father had indeed shot himself contrary to what was said. The Columbian authority threatened them not disclose the truth in the report. In this case, his sons provide crucial information. However, the initial reports by the government were entirely different. The government of Columbia was the first one to report on what happened. This is always expected especially when something of such a huge impact happens. Most governments provide information that would give credit to their efforts so that they get approval from the public. Some high ranking official claimed that this was done for the interest of the public.

The United States government has also supported the government of Columbia in narrating how Pablo Escobar was killed. The Los Angeles Times is just, but a good example of the many sources that reported Escobar was gunned down during the fierce shootout. One of the latest movies “Narcos” which is a Netflix Production has also told the version of events according to the United States government. This version of the facts clearly shows that the drug Lord was killed by a Columbian police officer who shot him through his left ears. This story coincides with the story that had already been reported by the Los Angeles Times on 3rd December 1993, a moment after the drug lord had been killed. This is contrary to the New York which quotes Escobar’s son who has been vocal on this issue.

It is quite clear that the two contradicting sources relied on the information from different people. The Los Angeles Times indicates that the authority felt Escobar’s death was a victory: The war on drugs had been won. The authorities had dedicated their time and resources in trying to find Escobar whose actions had nearly led the country to a civil war. His death meant that the person who had killed many police officers and other people was finally gone. This was in itself a relief not to the Columbians but also other neighboring countries like the United States and Canada that were his primary destination for drugs. The United States was on the frontline in the fight against Escobar and his activities that led to massive drug trafficking into the United States. Miami was the largest market for the drugs. Although this was a step forward in the fight against drugs, it was not the final solution to the war on drugs.

Even though the information from his son could be biased since that is what Escobar would have wished things to happen, there is some truth in it. This is because drug lords and terrorists just like Pablo Escobar are often egoistic in nature and would rather kill themselves or do something that hurt them to preserve their ego. The family members seem to be an “asset” to Pablo Escobar even after his death. Fortunately, his son denounces the actions of his father and only comes out clearly to address how his father died.

In conclusion, the two sources relied on information from different sources. The Los Angeles Times tells the Columbian’s government version of the story whereas the New York Post cited his son’s version of events. The government claims that Escobar was shot dead by the police officer whereas his son claims that his father shot himself.

Reference

Isabel, V. (2016) Escobar’s Son says his father shot himself, New York Post, Available at: http://nypost.com/2016/08/14/pablo-escobars-son-says-his-dads-death-was-by-suicide/?_ga=2.91550622.541908114.1494617975-1677336541.1494610825

AMBRUS, S, (1993) Colombia Drug Lord Escobar Dies in Shootout, LOS Angeles, http://articles.latimes.com/1993-12-03/news/mn-63509_1_pablo-escobar