Colombian journalist shot dead outside radio station
A Colombian journalist has been shot dead by a helmet-clad ‘assassin’, while standing outside the radio station where she worked.
CCTV vision captured the shocking moment the gunman crept up behind Flor Alba Nunez Vargas, as she stood outside the station in Pitalito, Huila, south west Colombia.
The man can be seen pulling out his gun when he is just steps away from her, before shooting her in the back of the head at point blank range.
The man fled from the scene immediately after the shooting. He reportedly headed back to his motorbike where an accomplice was waiting for him.
Ms Vargas, was a well know journalist who campaigned against drugs, human trafficking and corruption.
The 25-year-old had recently received death threats on social media for her local election coverage and for publishing a photo of a criminal gang blamed for a town hall break in, the Mirror reports.
She was also reportedly threatened after interviewing suspects linked to the killing of a dog last month.
Ms Vargas hosted a popular programme called La Preferida Stereo on a radio station called La Preferida FM. She also worked as a TV reporter.
Huila Police chief Santiago Camelo has blamed the crime on contract killers and asked for the local community to come forward with information.
"We are on the trail of the murderer who appears to have escaped by motorbike,” he told local media.
"We cannot at this stage specify the cause of this terrible event."
Solidaridad con la familia de la periodista huilense Flor Alba Núñez Vargas, asesinada ayer cobardemente! pic.twitter.com/0Kwv4MIARN
— Jorge Daguer (@JorgeLuisDaguer) September 11, 2015
Tributes have been flowing in for Ms Vagras who has been described as a passionate journalist by her work colleagues.
"We profoundly regret the murder of our companion,” a statement from the radio station read.
"We hope this doesn't remain as just another unpunished crime. Peace in death."
The Colombian government has announced a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the killers.
