Pedro Alonso López, also known as "The Monster of the Andes," is an infamous serial killer who terrorized South America in the late 20th century. Born on October 8, 1948 in Venadillo, Tolima, Colombia, López's life was marked by tragedy from the very beginning. Raised in Santa Isabel, he was one of 13 children born to Benilda López de Castañeda, a prostitute. His father, Megdardo Reyes, was murdered before he was even born, leaving López without a stable and nurturing family environment.
From a young age, López displayed troubling behavior that hinted at the darkness that lay within him. He was imprisoned for auto theft in 1969, which was just the beginning of his criminal career. After serving his sentence, López began a chilling journey through South America that would culminate in a string of horrifying murders.
Between 1969 and 1980, López claimed to have murdered over 300 victims, mostly young women and girls, across Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. The true extent of his crimes may never be fully known, but at least 110 of his victims have been confirmed. López's modus operandi involved luring his victims with promises of work or money before brutally assaulting and killing them.
In 1980, López's reign of terror came to an end when he was arrested in Ecuador after attempting to abduct a 12-year-old girl. He was subsequently sentenced to 16 years in prison, but shockingly, he was released in 1994. After his release, López was deported and institutionalized in Colombia. However, he was released from psychiatric care in 1998, unleashing a dangerous predator back into society.
Since then, López has continued to evade justice and is currently a wanted fugitive in connection with a murder committed in 2002. Despite efforts to track him down, his whereabouts remain unknown as of 2023. The elusiveness of López has only added to his mystique as one of the most notorious criminals in history.
Throughout his heinous spree, López encountered a variety of individuals who crossed his path, including an American missionary who convinced an indigenous tribe in Peru to release him after he attempted to abduct a young girl. Despite these close calls, López managed to evade capture and continued his murderous rampage unabated.
In the 2006 edition of the Guinness World Records, López was recognized as the "most prolific serial killer" before the listing was removed due to objections that it glorified his gruesome crimes. His notoriety was further cemented by his inclusion alongside performer Lucky Diamond Rich, highlighting the stark contrast between fame and infamy.
The chilling legacy of Pedro Alonso López serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the ability of certain individuals to commit unspeakable acts of violence. As authorities continue their hunt for him, the Monster of the Andes remains at large, a shadowy figure lurking in the dark corners of society, waiting to strike once again.