Early Life and Education of Pablo Escobar: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Pablo Escobar. A timeline of key moments.

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord and the leader of the Medellín Cartel. Known as the "King of Cocaine," he became one of the wealthiest criminals in history, controlling a significant portion of the cocaine trade into the United States during the 1980s and early 1990s. His cartel's activities and immense wealth made him a notorious and influential figure.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1948: Construction of Miami Beach Mansion

In 1948, a waterfront mansion was built at 5860 North Bay Road in Miami Beach, Florida. Escobar later owned this property under his own name.

December 1949: Pablo Escobar's Birth

In December 1949, Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was born in Rionegro, Antioquia Department, Colombia, belonging to the Paisa ethnic subgroup with Spanish and Italian roots.

Others born on this day/year

December 1949: Birth of Pablo Escobar

In December 1949, Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was born. He later became a notorious Colombian drug lord, narcoterrorist, and politician, ultimately leading the Medellín Cartel.

Others born on this day/year

1966: Escobar leaves High School

In 1966, Pablo Escobar left high school just before his 17th birthday, marking a shift in his life away from formal education.

1971: Kidnapping of Diego Echavarria

In the summer of 1971, Escobar kidnapped businessman Diego Echavarria, eventually killing him and receiving a $50,000 ransom from the Echavarria family, marking a significant event in Escobar's early criminal career.

March 1976: Escobar marries María Victoria Henao

In March 1976, the 26-year-old Escobar married María Victoria Henao, who was 15. The relationship was discouraged by the Henao family, who considered Escobar socially inferior; the pair eloped.

1982: Purchase of Land and Construction of Hacienda Nápoles

In 1982, Escobar purchased 20 square kilometers of land in Antioquia for millions of dollars, where he built the Hacienda Nápoles, a luxurious estate with various amenities.

August 1989: Assassination of Luis Carlos Galán and Bombing of Avianca Flight 203

In August 1989, Luis Carlos Galán was assassinated on Pablo Escobar's orders, and Escobar also planted a bomb on Avianca Flight 203 in an attempt to assassinate Galán's successor, César Gaviria Trujillo, resulting in the deaths of all 107 people on board.

1991: Escobar's Surrender

In 1991, Escobar surrendered to Colombian authorities after negotiating a reduced sentence and preferential treatment in exchange for ceasing all criminal activity.

1991: Escobar's Surrender and Imprisonment

In 1991, Escobar surrendered to authorities and was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, striking a deal that ensured no extradition and allowed him to be housed in his self-built prison, La Catedral.

July 1992: Escobar's Escape from La Catedral

On 22 July 1992, Escobar escaped from his luxurious private prison, La Catedral, after the government attempted to move him to a more conventional jail, leading him to evade the police for the remainder of his life.

1992: Escobar's Escape from La Catedral

In 1992, Escobar escaped from La Catedral when authorities attempted to move him to a more standard holding facility, leading to a nationwide manhunt.

1995: Escobar's family flees Colombia

In 1995, Escobar's widow (María Henao), son (Juan Pablo) and daughter (Manuela) fled Colombia after failing to find a country that would grant them asylum, following Escobar's death.

July 2006: Vallejo Taken to United States for Safety

On 18 July 2006, Virginia Vallejo was taken to the United States by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for "safety and security reasons" due to her cooperation in high-profile criminal cases. On 24 July, a video of Vallejo accusing Santofimio of instigating Escobar to eliminate Galán was aired on RCN Television of Colombia.

2014: Chicken Kitchen proprietor buys Escobar's Miami Beach Mansion

In 2014, Christian de Berdouare, proprietor of the Chicken Kitchen fast-food chain, bought Escobar's dilapidated waterfront mansion at 5860 North Bay Road in Miami Beach, Florida.