Howard Barillas Morales
Howard Barillas Morales, also known as 'el Matazetas', is a notorious figure in the Guatemalan criminal landscape, identified as a leader of the criminal gang 'los Artilleros'. He was apprehended in June 2012 in connection with the kidnapping of a local resident, for which a ransom of Q1 million was demanded. Barillas has since been convicted and sentenced to 31 years in prison. Recently, he made headlines due to a security-related transfer from the Pavoncito prison to a maximum-security facility, following concerns over his influence and potential unrest among inmates.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Howard Barillas Morales, alias 'el Matazetas', was transferred to Renovación 1 due to his dangerousness.
El plan de fuga del Barrio 18 en la cárcel Renovación 1 que frustraron las autoridades
Guatemala· 2025-10-04
Howard Barillas Morales, alias 'El Matazetas', is considered a high-risk individual and allegedly leads a structure of imitators and extortionists from prison.
El Matazetas y otros perfiles criminales logran que jueces autoricen su traslado de Renovación 1 a sus antiguos penalesGuatemala· 2025-10-01
Howard Barillas Morales is identified as the leader of the gang los Artilleros and was transferred for security reasons.
El SP traslada a Howard Barillas, el “Matazetas”, por criterios de seguridadGuatemala· 2025-07-17