On December 16, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded outside the Conga Latin Bistro in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The altercation began inside the bar when 44-year-old Franclin Ignacio Orellana and his friend were confronted by 21-year-old Juan Josue Canario Robles. Robles allegedly became upset after Orellana's friend danced with Robles' girlfriend, leading to a physical confrontation.
Security intervened, but the situation escalated when 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 him. Robles then fired a gunshot from the vehicle, striking Orellana in the head and neck. Orellana was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 18, 2023.
Robles was arrested on December 21, 2023, and charged with two counts of second-degree murder: one with intent but not premeditated, and the other without intent while committing a felony. He pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree unintentional murder, and a second-degree intentional murder charge was dropped as part of the plea deal. Robles was sentenced to 12½ years in prison.
Orellana, affectionately known as 'Nacho,' was born on December 25, 1978, in Cuenca, Ecuador, to parents German Orellana and Luz Velez. He moved to Minnesota, where he became a father to four children: Melanie, Eddie, Jordy, and Makenzie. His family described him as a beloved son, brother, husband, and friend, known for his big smile, contagious laugh, charisma, and warm heart. He was a jokester who always found a way to make people laugh.
The community mourned the loss of Orellana, and his family held a funeral service on December 22, 2023, at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The service was attended by family and friends who remembered him fondly.
This incident highlights the importance of conflict resolution and the devastating consequences that can arise from escalated disputes. The community continues to reflect on the loss of a cherished individual and the impact of such senseless violence.
