On December 16, 2023, an argument inside the Conga Latin Bistro in Minneapolis escalated into deadly violence. According to reports, 44-year-old Franclin Ignacio Orellana and a friend were confronted by 21-year-old Juan Josue Canario Robles after Orellana’s friend danced with Robles’ girlfriend. Security intervened, but Robles followed Orellana’s friend outside, threatened him with a gun and punched him. As Robles attempted to leave in a vehicle, Orellana chased after the car and Robles fired from the vehicle, striking Orellana in the head and neck.

Orellana was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center and died of his injuries on December 18, 2023. Robles was arrested on December 21, 2023, charged with two counts of second-degree murder, later pleading guilty to one count of second-degree unintentional murder; a second-degree intentional murder charge was dropped as part of the plea deal. Known as Nacho, Orellana was born December 25, 1978, in Cuenca, Ecuador, and lived in Minnesota, where he fathered four children: Melanie, Eddie, Jordy, and Makenzie. Family and friends remembered him for his big smile, contagious laugh and warm heart at a funeral on December 22, 2023.

If anyone witnessed the confrontation or the events outside the restaurant, please share what was seen or heard.