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 who led the Medellín Cartel, responsible for a significant portion of the cocaine trade during the 1980s. Known for his ruthless tactics, he employed violence and bribery to expand his empire, becoming one of the wealthiest criminals in history. He briefly held a political position before his criminal activities overshadowed his political aspirations. Escobar's actions had a profound impact on Colombia, marked by widespread violence and political instability. He was eventually killed in 1993, bringing an end to his reign and the dominance of the Medellín Cartel.

Sections (5)

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

1948: Construction of Miami Mansion

In 1948, a 6,500-square-foot waterfront mansion was built on North Bay Road in Miami Beach, Florida, which Pablo Escobar later owned.

December 1949: Birth of Pablo Escobar

In December 1949, Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was born in Rionegro, Antioquia Department, Colombia. He was born into a family of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque Country, and also had Italian roots. His father was a small farmer and his mother was a teacher.

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December 1949: Pablo Escobar Born

On December 1, 1949, Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was born in Rionegro, Antioquia Department, Colombia, into a family of Spanish and Italian origin. He was the third of seven children and grew up in poverty, in the neighboring city of Medellín.

Others born on this day/year

1966: Escobar Leaves High School

In 1966, Pablo Escobar left high school just before his 17th birthday.

1982: Escobar Elected to Chamber of Representatives

In 1982, Escobar was elected as an alternate member of the Chamber of Representatives for the Liberal Party in the Colombian parliamentary election. During this time, he funded community projects such as the Barrio Pablo Escobar neighborhood, football pitches, and public works, enhancing his popularity in Medellín’s working-class areas.

June 1991: Escobar surrenders and is confined in La Catedral

On June 19, 1991, Escobar surrendered under terms allowing confinement in La Catedral, a prison he designed with luxuries and handpicked guards.

1991: Escobar Surrenders to Authorities

In 1991, Escobar surrendered to authorities under an agreement with President César Gaviria that barred his extradition to the United States. He was confined in a luxury facility he built, known as La Catedral.

July 1992: Escobar escapes from La Catedral

In July 1992, after the murder of two associates inside La Catedral, the government ordered Escobar's transfer. He escaped on 22 July 1992, initiating a nationwide manhunt.

1992: Escobar Escapes from La Catedral

In 1992, after officials attempted to transfer him to a regular prison, Escobar escaped from La Catedral, prompting a nationwide manhunt.

2009: Documentary Release

In 2009, Juan Pablo Escobar appeared in the documentary *Sins of My Father*, where he sought reconciliation with the families of his father's victims. He also published memoirs denouncing his father’s violence.

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February 2019: Demolition of Edificio Monaco

On 22 February 2019, city authorities demolished the Edificio Mónaco in Medellín at the urging of Mayor Federico Gutiérrez, replacing it with a park commemorating thousands of cartel victims. President Iván Duque stated the demolition was intended “not to glorify the perpetrators, but to honor the victims.”