A former Chilean intelligence officer has been found guilty of involvement in one of the most notorious assassinations on US soil: the 1976 car bombing that killed former Chilean diplomat Orlando Letelier and his American colleague Ronni Moffitt in Washington DC.
Conviction after decades-long pursuit
Pedro Barrientos, 74, a former agent of Chile's secret police under the Pinochet regime, was convicted by a jury in Washington DC on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and use of explosives. The verdict, delivered on June 23, 2026, marks a significant milestone in a case that has spanned nearly five decades.
Letelier, a former ambassador and defense minister under Salvador Allende, was a vocal critic of the Pinochet dictatorship. He was living in exile in the United States when his car was blown up by a remote-controlled bomb on Embassy Row, not far from the White House.
Details of the attack
On September 21, 1976, Letelier and Moffitt, a 25-year-old American researcher, were killed instantly when a bomb placed under the driver's seat of Letelier's car detonated. The attack was ordered by the Chilean secret police, DINA, as part of Operation Condor, a covert campaign of political repression and assassination coordinated by South American dictatorships.
Barrientos was extradited from Chile to the US in 2024 after years of legal battles. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that he had participated in the planning and execution of the bombing, including providing the explosives and surveilling Letelier.
“This conviction sends a clear message that those who commit acts of terrorism will be held accountable, no matter how much time passes,” said US Attorney Matthew Graves in a statement.
Long road to justice
The case has seen several previous convictions. Michael Townley, a US-born DINA agent, pleaded guilty in 1978 and served time. Chilean military officers were also indicted, but many evaded prosecution. Barrientos had long been identified as a key figure but remained in Chile, protected by the country's amnesty laws. A 2022 Chilean Supreme Court ruling allowed his extradition, paving the way for the trial.
Letelier's family expressed relief at the verdict. “This is a vindication for Orlando and Ronni, and for all victims of state-sponsored terror,” said Letelier's son, Juan Letelier.
Impact and significance
The conviction is a rare instance of accountability for crimes committed under the Pinochet regime, which killed thousands of political opponents. It also underscores the enduring reach of US law enforcement in pursuing terrorism cases. Human rights groups hailed the verdict as a step toward justice for the victims of Operation Condor.
Barrientos faces up to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for September 2026.
