Double murder in San Ignacio de Velasco: hit men identified and national search activated
The Public Prosecutor's Office in Santa Cruz identified the suspected perpetrators of the double crime and issued arrest warrants. Police and the Armed Forces are participating in the search.
Suspected hit men identified in double murder in San Ignacio de Velasco
According to reduno.com.bo, the investigation into the double murder that occurred in San Ignacio de Velasco, Santa Cruz department, is progressing with the identification of several suspected individuals involved. The Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants and the Bolivian Police together with the Armed Forces are currently conducting the search for the suspects.
The departmental prosecutor for Santa Cruz, Alberto Zeballos, stated that the Public Prosecutor's Office obtained key evidence to identify the suspected perpetrators, including images and videos distributed in live broadcasts linked to the latest victims. The analysis of this material made it possible to register physical features and other evidence incorporated into the investigation.
"We have identified a suspected perpetrator of the murder. This person is already being sought by the Bolivian Police and our Armed Forces," Zeballos declared.
The investigation also established that it would not be a single perpetrator. According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, two people would have participated as the material authors of the attack and subsequently fled with an unknown destination.
Possible link to drug trafficking under investigation
One of the central axes of the investigation is to determine whether the double murder is related to criminal organisations or factions linked to drug trafficking. Zeballos noted that the hypothesis of a dispute between criminal structures is not ruled out, although he clarified that this line of investigation has not yet been confirmed.
To this end, the Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting inquiries into both the family environment and the social circle of the victims, seeking to establish the circumstances that could have triggered the attack.
Arrest warrants include possible accomplices
The warrants issued are not limited to those who would have materially carried out the attack. The Prosecutor's Office reported that they also cover individuals who could have intervened as accomplices or co-authors of the act.
Zeballos also indicated that, based on physical features and voices recorded during the investigation, there are clues that would point to the possible participation of individuals of Brazilian nationality. However, the possible participation of Bolivian citizens is also being investigated.
The authorities are maintaining an active search for the identified suspects whilst the Prosecutor's Office prepares the corresponding reasoned arrest warrant resolution.
Source: Google News BO — Crime