Apart from variables such as age, gender and geography, it is important to note the context in which stray bullets are most likely to pose a threat. In 2013, gang fights were the most common circumstances in which victims were injured or killed by stray bullets, at 27% of all recorded cases (26 in total and 10 of which were fatal). After gang fights, botched assassinations and contract killings were the most common cause of stray bullet casualties, with 18 cases (20%), followed by civilian fights and scuffles, with 12 cases (13%). It should be noted that sources do not always report the context in which stray bullets injure or kill; in 2013 alone, 24% of all registered cases (23) had no such information.
Graph 3. Stray bullets in context (as compiled by CERAC and the National Police)
Source: The Colombian stray bullet database by CERAC, integrated with National Police database
By now it should be clear that stray bullet incidents are all too often the result of organized crime: territorial struggles, revenge killings, extortion and contract killings are but several examples. Though multiple studies in other countries attribute the majority of stray bullet casualties to “celebration shots” (New Years, for example) and other instances of glibly firing a shot off into the air, the Colombian case is quite different. In 2013, celebration shots only accounted for 8% (8) of incidents involving stray bullets.
As for those pulling the trigger, records show them belonging to the following groups: 29% were criminals (28 cases), 23% were paramilitaries (22 cases), 18% were civilians and 2% were National Police (2 cases). However, in 27% of the cases the guilty party was never identified. Compared with figures from 2012, the percentage of shooters that were common criminals declined by 65%, whereas those belonging to the civilian population increased by 30%.
From 1990 through November 2013, the percentage of cases in which the shooter remains unknown has hovered around 80% (2393). Nonetheless, records kept since the beginning of 2013 regarding the background and characteristics of the shooter showed similar trends. For example, individuals belonging to criminal rings came out on top at 11.8% of cases (351), followed by civilians at 4% (116) and the FARC (26), neo-paramilitaries (25) and National Police (22) at 1% a piece. That being said, one must always keep in mind that a high percentage of stray bullet incidents remain shrouded in mystery, and that identifying the shooter or group he or she belongs to is often very difficult.
Finally, a depressing note on which to conclude. Over the course of 2013, only 14% of stray bullet cases have been investigated and only 9% (8) of shooters have been detained. In 6% (6) of cases the shooter has remained unknown. Moreover, according to the sources of this report, information regarding criminal investigations or judicial proceedings is lacking in 67% (64) of cases.
