A notorious serial killer and rapist, known for his heinous crimes spanning several decades, could serve as evidence that monstrous behavior may be a product of upbringing rather than inherent traits. The individual in question conducted over 100 officially recognized murders, often involving torture, and disturbing acts like exhuming victims’ remains for macabre “tea parties.”
Dubbed the “Monster of the Andes,” Pedro Alonso Lopez is believed to have slain around 300 children and young individuals as he roamed through Latin America from 1969 to 1980. Targeting vulnerable girls, including street children and those from marginalized communities, Lopez’s modus operandi allowed him to evade capture for an extended period.
Primarily preying on girls aged between nine and 12, Lopez would entice them with promises of treats or assistance before committing heinous acts. Despite his distinctive appearance and notoriety, he managed to elude authorities for over a decade by targeting victims likely to receive less attention.
Following his arrest in Ecuador in 1980, Lopez confessed to a significant number of murders, leading to the discovery of mass graves containing the remains of dozens of girls. Despite his confessions, he was only convicted for crimes committed in Ecuador and received a relatively short sentence due to legal limitations at the time.
After serving a portion of his sentence, Lopez was released for good behavior and deported to Colombia, where he faced public outrage and further legal issues. Despite subsequent convictions, he was eventually declared sane and released, subsequently disappearing without a trace.
Despite unconfirmed sightings and forensic speculations on his demise, Lopez remains officially a fugitive, with an international arrest warrant issued due to similar crimes mirroring his modus operandi. If alive, he would now be 77 years old, with his horrific crimes and elusive nature continuing to haunt authorities and the public.
Lopez’s troubled childhood, marked by violence and trauma, has been cited as a common factor among serial killers by experts, suggesting a correlation between early life experiences and later criminal behavior.