Behind Bars: The Harsh Reality of Brayan Campo’s First Days in Prison
Brayan Snaither Campo Pillimué, the man who admitted to murdering the minor Sofía Delgado in a crime that has outraged Colombia, is currently in the reception cell of the Penitentiary Institution and High and Medium Security Prisons, ‘La Tramacúa’, located in Valledupar.
This case has attracted national attention and sparked protests for justice throughout the country.
Since he was transferred on Thursday, October 24, under a strong security plan, Campo Pillimué remains isolated from other prisoners.
The reason for his placement in reception is because the prison board has not yet held the necessary meeting to decide on his final placement within the prison. According to reports from the newspaper EL PILÓN, the individual is subject to strict controls and constant surveillance by non-commissioned officers of the National Institute of Penitentiary and Prison (Inpec), guaranteeing that he has no contact with other prisoners.
The murder of Sofía Delgado, a girl only 12 years old, has created a wave of anger in Colombian society. The crime, which took place in Valle del Cauca, has put the safety of minors and the need for excellent justice at the heart of the public debate. Campo Pillimué has been charged with aggravated horse slaughter, aggravated simple kidnapping, aggravated attempted kidnapping and concealment of evidence, which reflects the seriousness of his actions.
The community is crying for answers and, so far, Campo Pillimué has not received visits from family members, which indicates the isolation in which he finds himself. However, last Friday, October 25, he had a formal meeting with representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, the Ombudsman’s Office and the Person’s Office, as well as the director of the prison. These types of meetings are common in high profile cases and try to ensure that the prisoners’ rights are respected, although in this case, public anger could influence the perception of justice.
La Tramacúa: High security prison
‘La Tramacúa’ is known for housing some of the country’s most dangerous criminals. Currently, Campo Pillimué shares space with prisoners convicted of heinous crimes, including those who have committed serious abuse against women and children. Among them are Rafael Uribe Noguera, who was sentenced to 58 years for raping and murdering Yuliana Samboní, and Luis Alfredo Garavito, the famous ‘Monster of Genoa’, who abused and murdered almost 200 minors during his period of offend.
The environment of ‘La Tramacúa’ is described as a “pavilion of horror”, where prisoners face a harsh reality. Campo Pilimué, who has so far been seen in photographs wearing a pink jumper and dark jeans, could find himself facing a hostile environment, given the nature of the crimes he is accused of and the public sentiment in against him.