June 27, 2019

Van Hollen, Cardin Introduce Resolution Honoring Slain Marylander Alex Villamayor, Calling for Justice and Accountability

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have introduced a resolution honoring the life of Alex Villamayor, a young American citizen born in Maryland who was tragically murdered four years ago in Paraguay.  The resolution calls for justice and accountability in his worrisome case, where his death was initially covered up and the FBI was prevented from properly investigating his death. 

“Alex’s death was a tragedy and cannot be forgotten. As we seek to honor his life and his memory, we will continue to work with his family to underline the importance of justice and the rule of law,” Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.

“Alex Villamayor was a smart, compassionate young Marylander whose life and tremendous potential was tragically cut short, “ said Senator Cardin, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. “I continue to offer my deepest condolences to his family and call on the Paraguayan government to allow for a proper investigation of his death.  No other families should suffer such an injustice.” 

Similar to previous years, the resolution commemorates Alex’s life and expresses ongoing concern over the handling of the investigation and continued threats against Alex’s family. It calls on the Paraguayan government to allow the FBI to investigate the case and for the U.S. Department of State to review its procedures in the handling of U.S. citizens killed overseas.

The resolution text can be found here.