Rebel faces trial again for murders of Native activists in 1999

Friday, September 21, 2012  

A rebel accused of the 1999 murders of two Native activists and an environmental activist will face charges again in Colombia.

Ingrid Washinawatok, 41, who was a member of the Menominee Nation, and Lahe’ena’e Gay, 39, who was Native Hawaiian, were kidnapped and murdered while helping open a school for the U'wa Tribe. Terence Freitas, 24, another activist, was also murdered.

Angelo Caceres was acquitted but will face another trial after prosecutors appealed. He belongs to a guerilla group called Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia that has repeatedly clashed with tribes in Colombia.

Two other FARC rebels were convicted of the murders.

Get the Story:
Colombian judge revokes acquittal in killing of 3 Americans in 1999, orders rebel be arrested (AP 9/20)