Jhon Jairo Velásquez
Jhon Jairo Velásquez Vásquez (April 15, 1962 – February 6, 2020), also known by the alias "Popeye" or "JJ", was a Colombian hitman, who was part of the criminal structure of the Medellín Cartel until his surrender to the Colombian justice system in 1992. Within this structure he claimed to be a lieutenant commanding half of the sicarios.
Jhon Jairo Velásquez | |
|---|---|
Velásquez being interviewed in 2014 | |
| Born | Jhon Jairo Velásquez Vásquez April 15, 1962 Yarumal, Colombia |
| Died | February 6, 2020 (aged 57) Bogotá, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Other names | JJ, Popeye |
| Allegiance | Medellín Cartel |
| Conviction(s) | Murder, kidnapping and terrorism (charges with conviction fulfilled) |
Date apprehended | 1992 |
Velásquez was born in the municipality of Yarumal, Antioquia, Colombia. He joined the Colombian National Army; later he was in the cadet school of the national police, only to leave days later joining the school of apprentices of the Colombian Navy where he earned the nickname "Popeye" because of his physical resemblance to the character. Later he had plastic surgery and no longer had the same distinctive appearance. Velásquez escaped from prison, was later caught, and served his sentence.