Thalia Castillo, a 27-year-old Peruvian singer, was fatally shot during a robbery on her band’s tour bus early Sunday in Bagua Grande, Peru. The tragedy unfolded after a performance at a local venue.
Alezka Thalia Manrique Castillo, known by her stage name Thalia Castillo, was killed while seeking refuge in the tour bus bathroom. The bus was carrying members of the Hermanos Guerreros orchestra at the time.
Ingrid Vallejo, a fellow bandmate, reported that around 5 a.m., six armed robbers halted the vehicle as it was returning from a performance at San Martín de Porres.
“My partner wanted to go into the bus bathroom in her instinct to protect herself and the moment she was there, the shot went off,” said Vallejo.
The attackers forced the driver out of the bus and assaulted other band members before shooting Manrique Castillo in the leg and back. The singer was then removed from the bus and left in a roadside ditch, while other band members were ordered to stay on the ground.
The robbers escaped with the band’s musical instruments and earnings from the performance. Manrique Castillo died from her injuries while being taken to Santiago Apóstol Hospital.
Jair Enrique Manrique, the victim’s brother, informed RPP radio that the Peru National Police have identified the suspects and are in the process of securing arrest warrants.
Walter Ángeles González, head of the Hermanos Guerrero orchestra, confirmed that authorities have potentially identified a suspect, but are not disclosing details to avoid flight risks. This is the first such incident to occur within the musical group.
Manrique Castillo had joined the band two months before the incident and was expected to complete her business administration degree this month. She leaves behind two children, including a nine-year-old son.
“Thalia was a person full of joy, always with a smile,” said Vallejo to Radio Exitosa. “Her talent and dedication to music made her special.”
The unfortunate incident has sparked reactions from Peru’s music community, with Grupo 5 issuing a statement addressing security issues in the country.