Bio

Diego Pillco was born in 1987 in Ecuador. He lived in a small town where life was simple but challenging. His family did not have a lot of money, so Diego grew up working hard from a young age. He helped his parents at home and in their small family business. His parents wanted him to have a better life, so they encouraged him to study and do well in school.

When Diego was a teenager, he decided to move to the United States in search of better opportunities. He immigrated to the U.S. around 2006. Upon arriving, he settled in Brooklyn, New York. Diego found work as a construction worker. He was determined to build a successful life and send money back to his family in Ecuador. He lived with a cousin in a basement apartment and worked various jobs to make ends meet.

Although Diego was focused on his work, he faced difficulties adjusting to life in a new country. He spoke Spanish and was learning English, but the language barrier made it challenging to communicate with others. Many neighborhoods in New York City were busy and overwhelming for a newcomer.

Murder Story

On November 1, 2006, Adrienne Shelly was found dead in her office in Greenwich Village, New York City. Initially, her death appeared to be a suicide. However, as police began their investigation, they discovered evidence that led them to suspect foul play.

Adrienne's husband found her hanging by a bed sheet from a shower rod in the bathroom. There were signs that suggested a struggle may have occurred, and the police noticed sneaker prints in the apartment that did not match Adrienne's shoes. Additionally, money was reported missing from her wallet. Shortly after the investigation began, police arrested Diego Pillco, a construction worker who confessed to killing Adrienne. He stated that he had entered her apartment to steal from her. When Adrienne discovered him, she threatened to call the police. In a panic, Pillco covered her mouth and, after she fell to the floor, he strangled her with a bed sheet.

During his confession, Pillco admitted he tried to stage her death to look like a suicide. A medical examination later confirmed that Adrienne was alive when she was hanged.

Diego Pillco was charged with murder and later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. On March 6, 2008, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole. His confession revealed that he had initially lied to investigators, claiming that Adrienne had confronted him about noise from construction work.

Following the case, Adrienne's husband, Andrew Ostroy, expressed deep sorrow and anger over the loss of his wife, emphasizing the impact of her death on their young daughter. He established the Adrienne Shelly Foundation to honor her memory and support artists in need.