How Pablo Escobar Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Pablo Escobar across different fields.

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord and the leader of the Medellín Cartel. He dominated the cocaine trade to the United States in the 1980s and early 1990s, accumulating immense wealth, estimated around $30 billion at the time of his death, making him one of history's richest criminals. His activities involved narcoterrorism and violence, impacting Colombia significantly. He was killed in 1993.

Sections (5)

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

July 2006: Virginia Vallejo Offers Testimony

On 4 July 2006, Virginia Vallejo, a television anchorwoman romantically involved with Escobar from 1983 to 1987, offered Attorney General Mario Iguarán her testimony in the trial against former Senator Alberto Santofimio, who was accused of conspiracy in the 1989 assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán. Iguarán acknowledged that, although Vallejo had contacted his office on 4 July, the judge had decided to close the trial on 9 July, several weeks before the prospective closing date. The action was seen as too late.

2007: Hippo Population Growth

By 2007, the hippos originally kept at Hacienda Nápoles by Escobar had multiplied to 16 and had taken to roaming the area for food in the nearby Magdalena River.

2007: Virginia Vallejo publishes her memoir

In 2007, the journalist Virginia Vallejo published her memoir, "Amando a Pablo, odiando a Escobar" (Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar), in which she describes her romantic relationship with Escobar.

Amando a Pablo, odiando a Escobar / Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar (MTI) (Spanish Edition)

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2007: Announcement of two major films about Escobar

In 2007, two major feature films on Escobar, Escobar and Killing Pablo, were announced.

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2009: Release of Sins of My Father documentary

In 2009, Argentinian filmmaker Nicolas Entel's documentary "Sins of My Father" was released, chronicling Marroquín's efforts to seek forgiveness from the sons of Rodrigo Lara and Luis Carlos Galán.

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2009: Escobar feature film announced

In 2009, the film "Escobar" was released.

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2009: Escaped hippos cause problems, one killed

In 2009, two adult hippos and one calf escaped and, after attacking humans and killing cattle, one of the adults (called "Pepe") was killed by hunters.

October 2010: Sins of My Father premiered on HBO

In October 2010, Nicolas Entel's documentary "Sins of My Father" premiered in the U.S. on HBO. The film chronicles Marroquín's efforts to seek forgiveness from the sons of Rodrigo Lara and Luis Carlos Galán.

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2011: Killing Pablo feature film announced

In 2011, the film "Killing Pablo" was released.

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2014: Hippo population continues to grow

As of early 2014, it was reported that 40 hippos existed in Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia Department, from the original four belonging to Escobar.

2014: Christian de Berdouare buys Escobar's mansion

In 2014, Christian de Berdouare, proprietor of the Chicken Kitchen fast-food chain, bought the dilapidated property in Miami Beach that was once owned by Escobar.

2014: Publication of Pablo Escobar, My Father

In 2014, Marroquín published his book "Pablo Escobar, My Father" under his birth name, providing a firsthand insight into his father's life and the impact of his death on the family.

2014: Roberto Escobar founded Escobar Inc

In 2014, Roberto Escobar founded Escobar Inc with Olof K. Gustafsson and registered Successor-In-Interest rights for his brother Pablo Escobar in California, United States.

2016: Hippo population expected to double

As of 2016, without management, the hippo population size is likely to more than double in the next decade.

2017: Movie Loving Pablo released

In 2017, the movie "Loving Pablo" was released, inspired by Virginia Vallejo's memoir.

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2018: National Geographic article on hippos

In 2018, National Geographic published an article on the hippos which found disagreement among environmentalists on whether they were having a positive or negative impact but that conservationists and locals were mostly in support of their continued presence.

February 2019: Demolition of Edificio Mónaco

On February 22, 2019, the Edificio Mónaco apartment complex in Medellín, where Escobar planned some of his attacks, was demolished. A park honoring cartel victims was planned for the site.