In brief
The 2015 murder of Venezuelan rapper Canserbero has taken a shocking turn, as five individuals—including police officers and a music impresario—were sentenced to prison for conspiracy and covering up the crime. The revelation follows a confession from his former manager, who admitted to drugging and stabbing the rapper.
In a landmark case that has rocked the Venezuelan music scene, five individuals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the cover-up of the murder of acclaimed rapper Canserbero, whose real name was Tirone González. Among those jailed are a forensic expert, three police officers, and a music impresario, all of whom were convicted for manipulating evidence to portray his death as a suicide rather than the brutal murder it was.Canserbero, famed for securing the title of best Spanish-language rapper by Rolling Stone magazine, met a tragic end on January 19, 2015. Initially reported as a suicide, subsequent investigations revealed that he was drugged and stabbed by his then-manager, Natalia Améstica, who, along with her brother Guillermo, subsequently disposed of his body by throwing it from a tenth-floor window.On Tuesday, these five individuals received prison sentences ranging from 15 to 20 years for their roles in orchestrating a narrative that masked the true nature of Canserbero’s death. Natalia and Guillermo Améstica had previously been sentenced to 25 years for murder earlier in the year.The case took a dramatic turn in December 2023 when Natalia Améstica confessed to the murders. In a disturbing video statement released by the Venezuelan attorney general, she detailed her actions the night of Canserbero's death. According to her account, fueled by rage upon learning that Canserbero no longer wanted her as his manager, she laced a beverage with tranquilizers before attacking both him and her boyfriend, Carlos Molnar.Witnesses report that after Améstica stabbed Molnar, Canserbero, unable to defend himself due to the drugs, was also killed. Following the murders, she enlisted the assistance of her brother and a group of police officials to stage the crime scene to make it appear as a murder-suicide.In her confession, she described how they manipulated the crime scene and bribed forensic officials in a bid to cover up their heinous actions. The forensic expert was reportedly suspicious of the scene's presentation, suggesting that it appeared altered. In a twist that continues to unfold, Marcos Pratolongo, a music impresario and alleged accomplice, was also sentenced for his role in the cover-up, with the Venezuelan attorney general confirming that he held key evidence-related items during the investigation.This chilling narrative puts a spotlight on the dark side of the music industry in Venezuela and the desperate lengths individuals will go to in an attempt to conceal the truth.
