Devastating details of her death have emerged

On the surface, Landy Párraga seemed to have it all. The 23-year-old Ecuadorian beauty queen had earned national acclaim for her pageantry, amassed 172,000 Instagram followers, and even launched her own sportswear line. Yet her rising star and ambitious life came to a tragic end on April 29, 2024, when she was murdered at a restaurant — just hours after posting a seemingly innocuous photo online.

Born in Quevedo, Ecuador, Landy dreamed big from a young age. She began her pageant career as the queen of her parish, later becoming vice queen of her hometown, and eventually competing on national and international stages. In 2022, she placed fifth in Miss Ecuador, a testament to her charm, determination, and dedication. Beyond beauty, she ran a popular home goods store and cultivated a strong social media presence, captivating fans with her charisma and entrepreneurial drive.

However, behind the glamour, Landy’s life intersected with dangerous circles. Authorities revealed that she was romantically linked to Leandro Norero, a married drug trafficker known as “El Patrón.” Messages discovered on his phone suggested lavish gifts to Landy, including apartments and cars, and conversations hinted at efforts to keep her name hidden. Investigators also explored whether her businesses had been exploited to launder money for Norero’s criminal network.

On the day of her death, two hitmen entered a shopping center restaurant, approaching her table and firing multiple shots before fleeing. Security footage shows one assailant shooting at close range while the other guarded the door. Authorities believe a photo Landy posted of her meal may have revealed her location. Her murder is now linked to Ecuador’s high-profile Operation Metastasis, which targets corrupt officials and gang leaders connected to drug trafficking.

Landy Párraga was laid to rest in Quevedo under heavy security. Her death sent shockwaves across Ecuador, highlighting the deadly intersection of beauty, influence, and organized crime. While the full motive remains unclear, her tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those connected to criminal networks, and the profound cost of gang violence.