Pablo Escobar’s Will: Secrets and Family Disputes Revealed by Sister

MEDELLÍN, Colombia — The return of Carlos Lehder to Colombia has reignited discussions about the notorious Medellín cartel and its infamous leader, Pablo Escobar. In a recent interview, Lehder claimed that Escobar was solely responsible for the war against the state during the 1980s.

In response to these claims, members of Escobar’s family have come forward to share their perspectives. Nicolás Escobar Urquijo, a nephew, and Alba Marina Escobar, Escobar’s sister, discussed the family’s version of events, particularly concerning Pablo Escobar’s will.

Speaking with Semana magazine, Alba Marina Escobar revealed that she possesses a will written by her brother before the birth of his second daughter, Manuela. “The will states what he intended to leave for Juan Pablo, his son, who was born before Manuela. He mentioned that if he had a daughter, the jewelry and artworks would be hers,” she said.

Alba further explained the distribution of Escobar’s assets, noting that a fourth of his estate was designated for their parents, with the remainder going to Victoria, Escobar’s wife. “He wrote this will because he once had a severe headache and wanted to prepare for the future,” she explained. “I told him, ‘Pablo, I don’t want money from the dead, give me everything you plan to give in life.’”

Despite the will’s existence, Alba Marina revealed that after Escobar’s death in 1993, its legitimacy was questioned and the fate of his fortune remained shrouded in mystery. She claimed to have discovered only a portion of Escobar’s hidden wealth, amounting to $1.5 million, which she claimed to have sent to Victoria Henao.

“He didn’t handle cash. While there were bills found when he died, he kept large sums with his bodyguards,” she stated. “People claimed I stole a stash, but I only found what I sent to his widow.”

Alba expressed frustration at accusations that Escobar’s family is impoverished, rebutting that Victoria and the children have financial resources. “I didn’t know that hunger could make one rich,” she remarked. Her critique extended to her nephew Juan Pablo, who has suggested that there were more millions lost than he personally saw. “I don’t consider them my nephews due to the disrespect they have shown towards Pablo, despite his goodness.”

Critically reflecting on her relationship with Escobar’s children, Alba challenged their statements, especially those made by Juan Pablo and Manuela about their memories of their father. “How can she not remember him? She was nine when he died and he adored her,” she said. “It’s unbelievable they’ve been influenced to speak this way.”

Alba Marina also disclosed that many of Escobar’s properties ended up with front men, as her brother habitually refrained from placing assets in his family’s names to protect them from his enemies. “I had his penthouse, which he gifted me, but I returned it to Victoria because I’m not greedy,” she noted. “Most of his properties were taken by front men.”

In a conversation with Infobae Colombia, Alba confirmed that her brother did indeed draft a will, which has resurfaced as evidence of his intentions regarding his estate. “This document, filed in 1990, designates beneficiaries and confirms his desires clearly,” she stated. “The will is valid because it meets all necessary legal requirements.”

The will, signed by Escobar and witnessed by three individuals, includes details affirming his intention to protect his family’s interests. A legal expert, Rogelio Roldán, stated that this will would need to be respected should it be the only one submitted, as it follows legal protocols.

Both legal experts consulted by Infobae asserted the significance of the will being notarized and its alignment with Colombian law, confirming its validity despite the decades that have passed since Escobar’s passing.