Colombian outrage over early-release plea for serial killer

A proposal to grant early release from prison to one of the world’s most prolific serial killers has raised outrage in Colombia and a denunciation from President Iván Duque

BOGOTA, Colombia -- A proposal to grant early release from prison to one of the world's most prolific serial killers has raised outrage in Colombia and a denunciation on Monday from President Iván Duque.

Luis Alfredo Garavito confessed to killing about 190 children, most aged 8 to 16 and received more than 50 long sentences. Prosecutors said sometimes posed as a beggar or a monk and lured poor children with money and soft drinks. He later slit their throats, sometimes after torturing and raping them.

But Colombia limits prison sentences to 40 years and allows early release for good behavior after more than half a sentence is served.

The television program “Los Informantes” revealed on Sunday that the national prison institute had asked a judge in May to grant Garavito provisional release because of his “exemplary” behavior in prison.