Former world speed skating champion and mum-of-five bled to death after being shot by fiance two months before wedding
A FORMER world skating champion bled to death after her fiance shot her two months before their wedding date, a court heard.
Judges found Andres Gustavo Ricci Garcia guilty of murdering ex-2000m record holder Luz Mery Tristan.
Tristan achieved fame as the first Colombian skater to lift a world crown – in the 5,000m at the 1990 Inline Speed event in her home country.
The mother of five was killed aged 60 at her condominium in Cali, Colombia, in August 2023.
Judges in the same city have ruled that her 59-year-old fiance Andres Gustavo Ricci Garcia murdered her in a fit of rage during a row.
The court heard a single bullet severed Tristan’s aorta, causing her to bleed out within minutes.
Prosecutors told the trial that police had burst into her luxury home after being alerted by worried neighbours.
Cops found Garcia drunk and still holding a gun.
The court heard how friends told police the relationship was torn apart by heated arguments and fights.
And at the murder scene, the door to the room where Tristan was found dead had been peppered with bullets.
Forensic experts said her grazed knuckles and bruising over her eye showed she had fought for her life before being shot.
Prosecutors said Garcia shot her in the back.
Police discovered at the property a semi-automatic pistol, revolver and three tasers, none of which Garcia had a permit for.
Judges found Garcia guilty of aggravated femicide, trafficking and firearms offences.
Prosecutors have called for the maximum penalty of 50 years in prison.
He was remanded in custody for a sentencing hearing. Tristan became a national hero 35 years ago with her World Championship gold in Bello, Colombia.
However she had also gained notable success three years earlier, with gold in the 5,000m and bronze in the relay at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, USA.