Five individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in covering up the brutal 2015 murder of Venezuelan rapper Canserbero.
The rapper, born Tirone González, was found dead on January 19, 2015, in what initially appeared to be a suicide.
At the time, authorities claimed Canserbero had killed his friend Carlos Molnar in a knife fight before leaping from a window.
However, after years of investigation, the truth has finally emerged.
A forensic expert, three police officers, and a music impresario have now been convicted for helping to stage the crime scene to make it look like a suicide.
The five convicted individuals have been sentenced to prison terms of between 15 and 20 years.
Natalia Améstica, the rapper’s manager, and her brother Guillermo were both sentenced to 25 years in February for their direct involvement in Canserbero’s murder.
The case shocked the Venezuelan music industry, with many questioning how the investigation was initially handled.
The Shocking Confession
In December 2023, Natalia Améstica made a shocking confession, revealing that she had not only orchestrated Canserbero’s death but had also murdered his close friend Carlos Molnar.
In a video released by the Venezuelan attorney general, Améstica recounted the events of that fateful night.
Améstica explained that she was angry at Canserbero after learning he no longer wanted her as his manager.
On January 19, 2015, she invited the rapper and his friend Molnar to her apartment in Maracay.
Améstica offered them tea, which she spiked with a powerful tranquilizer, rendering both men unconscious.
A Murderous Act of Betrayal
As Molnar entered the kitchen, Améstica attacked him, stabbing him in the neck, back, and arm.
Canserbero, who witnessed the brutal act, was too drugged to defend himself.
He collapsed on the sofa, and Améstica then proceeded to stab him twice.
In desperation, she called her brother Guillermo for help.
Guillermo arrived with three officers from Venezuela’s intelligence agency, Sebin, who would help cover up the crime.
According to Améstica, the officers assisted in staging the scene to make it appear as though Canserbero had killed Molnar before jumping out of the window.
“We arranged everything to make it look like a murder-suicide,” Améstica said.
The officers continued to manipulate the scene, even stabbing Molnar a few more times. Guillermo also joined in, stabbing Molnar four more times.
Améstica revealed that the officers helped dispose of the bodies and threw Canserbero’s from the window to complete the scene.
The Forensic Expert’s Suspicion
As authorities began investigating Canserbero’s death, a forensic expert who was sent to the crime scene became suspicious.
He observed that the scene appeared “manipulated” and raised concerns about the authenticity of the investigation.
Guillermo Améstica later claimed that the forensic expert demanded a bribe of $10,000 to help cover up the crime.
The bribe was meant to ensure that the investigation would conclude that Canserbero had killed Molnar before jumping to his death.
It was clear that the murder was being carefully concealed by those in power.
The Role of the Music Impresario
The fifth individual sentenced on Tuesday is Marcos Pratolongo, a music impresario who had close ties with Canserbero.
Pratolongo was responsible for providing security at many of Canserbero’s concerts and had access to the rapper’s personal belongings.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Pratolongo had the keys to Canserbero’s apartment.
Important evidence, including items that could have revealed more about the crime, was found to be missing from the apartment.
Pratolongo was found guilty of complicity in the murder, although the exact details of his involvement remain unclear.
A Long-Awaited Justice
The case of Canserbero’s death has been surrounded by mystery and conspiracy theories for years.
The rapper’s tragic end sent shockwaves through the Venezuelan music scene, and fans were left in disbelief at the sudden loss of the 26-year-old artist.
His music had earned him recognition from prestigious outlets like Rolling Stone, which named him the best Spanish-language rapper.
The full truth of Canserbero’s murder, however, was obscured by those who sought to hide the reality of his death.
The sentencing of these five individuals marks a significant moment in the fight for justice for Canserbero.
While the involvement of law enforcement and a forensic expert in the cover-up is deeply troubling, the truth is finally coming to light.
The long-awaited justice for Canserbero’s murder has been delivered, but it also raises important questions about the integrity of Venezuela’s justice system.
