19-year-old confesses links to PCC and three contract killings; sentenced to six months in Palmasola
Sebastián Somoza Salvatierra, aged 19, was sent to Palmasola prison after shooting at a teenager in Santa Cruz. He confessed to belonging to the PCC and having committed three murders for hire.
Detained preventively accused of shooting teenager in Guaracal neighbourhood
Judge Álvaro Gutiérrez ordered the preventive detention of Sebastián Somoza Salvatierra, aged 19, on Saturday for a period of six months in Palmasola prison in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. According to El Deber, the young man confessed to being a member of the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and to have participated as a hired killer in three homicides committed in San Ignacio de Velasco.
Prosecutor Iván Ortiz presented charges for attempted homicide following the attack recorded on 15 October in the Guaracal neighbourhood. On that occasion, Somoza opened fire on a 16-year-old teenager and then fled the scene.
According to investigations by the Special Force to Combat Crime (Felcc) and the Public Prosecutor's Office, the incident occurred when the suspect was walking along a street in the neighbourhood carrying a firearm. Upon encountering a group of young people, an exchange of words took place. The teenagers asked him if he lived in the sector, alerted by his intimidating manner. Somoza responded by firing at one of them before fleeing.
Following the attack, the accused took refuge at the lodging where he was staying. A group of young people managed to locate him, detained him and handed him over to police officers. During the intervention, officers found a firearm and ammunition in his possession.
The victim was taken urgently to San Juan de Dios hospital. According to the medical report, the teenager is recovering well and is out of danger.
The 180 days of preventive detention will allow the Public Prosecutor's Office to complete investigations and gather the necessary evidentiary elements before presenting formal charges.
The case took on greater significance owing to the initial statements made by the detainee. Investigators state that Somoza admitted to being from San Ignacio de Velasco, acknowledged his link to the PCC—a criminal organisation based in Brazil—and claimed to have participated in the murder of three people in that border municipality. The Public Prosecutor's Office will also investigate those alleged links to the organisation.
Source: El Deber