Susy Aponte, candidate for governor, shot dead in Caraz market, Áncash
Journalist and regional candidate Susy Aponte was killed during the electoral campaign in Caraz. A Venezuelan citizen was detained as the suspected perpetrator.
Journalist and gubernatorial candidate shot dead in Caraz market
Susy Aponte Polo de Tello, 44, a candidate for regional governor of Áncash for the Socios por Áncash movement, was shot dead on Saturday at midday in the market of the district of Caraz, Huaylas province, while conducting political campaign activities. According to reports from biobiochile.cl, citing information from its associated outlet RPP Noticias, eyewitnesses stated that the candidate received gunshots to the head after being attacked from behind.
The attack occurred at approximately 12:40 hours on Ramón Castilla avenue. As a result of the shooting, five people were wounded by gunfire: R.A.M. (55), O.P.O. (72), A.A.J. (33), C.A.CH.L. (18) and E.CH.G., all taken to San Juan de Dios Hospital in Caraz by police officers.
Minutes after the attack, agents of the National Police of Peru (PNP) detained L.I.O.D., a 30-year-old Venezuelan citizen identified as the suspected perpetrator of the crime, on the Central Highway at the height of the Palmina junction. At the time of the intervention, agents seized a firearm from him.
Journalist who exposed corruption
Aponte Polo de Tello worked as a journalist through her Facebook platform "China Polo Dominical", from which she aired reports and exposed alleged acts of corruption in municipalities, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Police. Hours before being murdered, the journalist had announced the publication of new revelations about candidates from the Alliance for Progress (APP) in Áncash and alleged police irregularities linked to public works in Chiclayo.
Investigation into femicide
The National Police deployed operational and investigative actions immediately after the attack. A specialised team from the Homicide Division of Lima travelled to the Áncash region to bolster the efforts of the DIVINCRI, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor's Office.
The Specialised Prosecutor's Office for Violence against Women and Members of the Family Group of Huaylas opened a preliminary investigation into the alleged crime of femicide in the case of Susy Aponte Polo de Tello. Among the first actions ordered were the removal of the body and the collection of records from surveillance cameras installed at the crime scene.
Condemnation by electoral bodies and regional authorities
The National Office for Electoral Processes (ONPE) expressed its concern about the crime and called on "all parties responsible for security in our country" to remain alert during the electoral period, given the movement of candidates through different public spaces. The body stated that it would continue coordinating with the authorities the necessary actions to ensure that the 2026 Regional and Municipal Elections develop in a safe and transparent manner.
The National Electoral Jury (JNE) condemned the murder and expressed condolences to the victim's family members. "Violence has no place in a democratic society. The JNE rejects any act that threatens the life, integrity and safety of persons," the body stated in a communiqué. The JNE further called on competent authorities to conduct investigations with diligence and speed to determine responsibilities in accordance with the law.
The Regional Government of Áncash also condemned the crime and demanded that the Ministry of the Interior and the PNP establish an immediate police cordon to identify and apprehend those responsible. The body also requested the urgent convening of the National Council for Citizen Security (CONASEC) with the aim of adopting measures in response to growing insecurity in the region and guaranteeing the protection of candidates during the electoral process, as well as the implementation of specific protective measures for those participating in the contest.
Source: Google News PE — Crime