Driver detained as accomplice in murder of 72-year-old street trader in Santa Cruz
Police apprehended the driver of the vehicle used in the robbery and death of Selín Áñez Áñez. Three of those implicated remain at large.
Driver captured for death of street trader in first ring of Cruz city
A man identified as Carlos Rubén Chavarría Espinosa was apprehended by the Santa Cruz Police as a suspected accomplice in the murder of Selín Áñez Áñez, a 72-year-old street trader, which occurred on 24 September in the first ring area of the Cruz capital. According to El Deber, three of the four people implicated in the incident remain at large.
Colonel Abidón Espinoza, director of the Special Force to Combat Crime (Felcc), explained that Chavarría Espinosa was responsible for transporting the two hired killers and carrying out surveillance work alongside a fourth accomplice, whilst the other two executed the armed robbery. "This person previously has a criminal record for the crime of aggravated theft in 2018," the police chief noted.
More than an hour of tracking
According to investigations, the gang planned and executed the robbery in approximately one hour. Security cameras in the sector recorded activity of the suspects from 07:48, with tracking both on foot and in vehicle. The crime was carried out at 08:52, when Áñez Áñez received two shots: one in the left arm and another in the thorax. The forensic medical report determined the cause of death as haemorrhagic hypovolaemic shock, pulmonary laceration and penetrating thoracic trauma from a firearm.
After the incident, the four members of the group fled in the same vehicle heading towards Urban Park and Mariano Arrien avenue.
Security camera images facilitate identification
It was the recordings from security cameras in the area that made it possible to identify the vehicle used and its driver. "The images from the recordings allow us to observe characteristics of the vehicle, enabling us to establish that these individuals would have carried out prior planning at the location," Colonel Espinoza stated.
On the day of the robbery, Chavarría Espinosa was wearing a striped shirt in white, blue and black colours. The two hired killers who executed the robbery and shooting were also described based on the recordings: one was wearing a white cap or hood, red and black sweatshirt, canvas trousers and white trainers; the second was dressed entirely in black, with shirt, sweatshirt, trousers and footwear all the same colour.
Charged before causeshow judge; three fugitives
The detainee will be presented before a causeshow judge to determine his legal status under the charge of complicity in the murder. Both the driver and the vehicle involved are in police custody.
Authorities continue investigations to apprehend the other three implicated, including the two shooters who perpetrated the fatal shooting against the street trader.
Source: El Deber