Eulalio Aquino, a council candidate for the district of Cerro Corá in Amambay Department, died on Friday night, May 22, from injuries suffered in a shooting attack hours earlier outside his home. The death was confirmed by Pablo Ayala, director of the 13th Health Region.
According to Ayala, Aquino had three gunshot wounds: one to the head with an exit wound, one to the abdomen, and another that passed through one thigh and lodged in the other. The head wound caused loss of brain tissue, and his condition was so critical that doctors could not transfer him to another medical center.
Aquino was known as a promoter of Indigenous language, especially within the Paĩ Tavyterã community. He worked in the Indigenous Affairs Secretariat of the Amambay Governor's Office and was also a teacher. He was running for a council seat in Cerro Corá for the Colorado Party.
Initial reports said Aquino was preparing for a meeting at his home when people arrived on a motorcycle. Thinking they were invited guests, he went to receive them, but the unknown attackers opened fire.