U.S. Embassy staffer shot en route from airport

An American Embassy staff member  was shot and killed   on the way  home fromTocumen Airport on Saturday May 7.

According to reports Denise De La Ossa  was being chauffeured by her son when  the car had  problems, and was forced to stop near Boca la Caja.

The Embassy issued a statement on Monday, May 9:  “The Embassy regrets to announce that our friend and colleague, Denise De La Ossa, a partner in the Human Resources Section of the Embassy, died of a bullet impact …  on her way home from the airport.

“Since 2003, Ms. De La Ossa contributed greatly to the Embassy giving classes in English and Spanish to a number of officials, and handled a variety of human resource issues, especially local internship programs. 

“At the moment we have no reason to believe that Denise was the target of an attack, nor that her position as an official of the Embassy had something to do with this sad and terrible tragedy.

“Panama's National Police and the Prosecutor's Office are conducting an investigation into the events surrounding her death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time." 

A former colleague described her as "A very educated lady who had worked in Europe and in the States, She was very open and friendly and eager to help anyone."

The funeral will be on Wednesday, May 11 at el Santuario Church, on Samuel Lewis Avenue at 3:00 PM.