Colombian National Pleads Guilty in DEA Agent's Death

A Colombian national has pleaded guilty to being involved in the slaying of a U.S. drug agent in Bogota.

Thirty-one-year-old Julio Estiven Gracia Ramirez pleaded guilty Wednesday to aiding and abetting the murder of an internationally protected person, and conspiracy.

Gracia Ramirez entered the plea in federal court in Alexandria. He will be sentenced Dec. 5.

Gracia Ramirez is one of seven Colombians extradited to the U.S. for charges in the 2013 stabbing death of 43-year-old DEA agent James "Terry'' Watson.

Authorities say the Colombians posed as taxi drivers and were trying to take Watson on what's called a "millionaire's ride,'' in which criminals force victims to remove cash from ATMs. Officials don't believe the killing was related to Watson's DEA job.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us