20-year-old murdered in San Julián cemetery, Santa Cruz
Franz Reynaldo Javier Álvarez was found dead with wounds to his neck next to his brother's burial niche. Police are investigating a possible robbery as the motive for the crime.
Young man found murdered at his brother's burial niche in San Julián cemetery
A 20-year-old was found dead in the municipal cemetery of San Julián in Santa Cruz, according to reporting by El Deber. The victim was identified as Franz Reynaldo Javier Álvarez and presented two laceration wounds to the neck.
The body was discovered during the morning of Tuesday, after neighbours alerted authorities to the presence of a lifeless person within the cemetery grounds. Álvarez was at the foot of his deceased brother's burial niche and no longer had his belongings or his motorcycle with him.
Colonel Johnny Coca, director of the Special Police Unit for Crime Fighting (Felcc) in Santa Cruz, confirmed the facts and indicated that the investigation is focused on reconstructing the victim's movements in the hours preceding the crime. "There are suspicious persons and we are working to identify the last person who had contact with the victim," Coca stated.
The motive for the murder has not been officially established, although police are examining whether the crime was linked to the theft of Álvarez's belongings and motorcycle. The disappearance of the motorcycle is a central part of the investigation to determine the involvement of the perpetrator or perpetrators.
During inspection of the scene, several pieces of evidence were collected, including four beer cans, which investigators will analyse to determine whom the victim was with before being murdered. Examinations are also being conducted on other objects found at the location.
Agents are conducting interviews and verifications to trace the young man's final route. The case was brought to the attention of the Public Ministry and the body was transported for medical-legal autopsy, which will establish the cause and date of death.
Source: El Deber