Half of Escaped Guatemalan Inmates Recaptured

In a significant development, Guatemalan authorities have successfully recaptured ten out of the twenty inmates who escaped from the high-security Fraijanes II prison. The escape, which reportedly occurred over the past two months, was only disclosed to the public on October 12, 2025. Guatemala’s Interior Minister, Francisco Jiménez, stated that officials had been investigating rumors of the escape for weeks. Initial investigations suggest that some inmates may have exploited routine prison visits to flee, exposing a critical security lapse in one of the nation’s most secure facilities. Among those apprehended is Byron Fajardo Revolorio, alias “Black Demon,” who was serving a 180-year sentence. His capture marks a crucial victory for law enforcement, but the search for the remaining fugitives remains ongoing. Regional police forces are intensifying their efforts to locate the escapees, with neighboring Belize also on high alert. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasized Belize’s vulnerability as a potential transit point for the fugitives due to its proximity to Guatemala. She urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.