About
Infamous serial killer known as "The Monster of the Andes" who claimed to have murdered 300 victims, mostly young women and girls, across Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador between 1969 and 1980. At least 110 of these victims are confirmed. He was released from a 16 year stint in prison in Ecuador in 1994, after which he was deported and institutionalized in Colombia, and was later released from psychiatric care in 1998. As of 2023, he is a wanted fugitive in connection with a murder committed in 2002, and his whereabouts are unknown.
Before Fame
He was imprisoned for auto theft in 1969. After his release from prison, he traveled throughout South America, during which the murders were committed. He was ultimately arrested in 1980 in Ecuador after attempting to abduct a 12 year old girl.
Trivia
During his travels, he was captured by an Ayacuchoan indigenous tribe in south-central Peru after attempting to abduct a nine-year-old girl. An American missionary successfully convinced the tribe to release him and turn him over to the police, although he was not detained. In the 2006 edition of Guinness World Records, he was credited as the "most prolific serial killer" before the listing was removed after complaints that it made a competition out of murder.
Family Life
He was born in Venadillo, Tolima, Colombia and was raised in Santa Isabel. He was one of 13 children born to Benilda López de Castañeda, a prostitute. His father, Megdardo Reyes, was murdered before he was born.
Associated With
He and Lucky Diamond Rich both appeared in the 2006 edition of Guinness World Records.
