Long jail terms for Cocle murder gang

FIVE MEN convicted of the murder of a former governor will spend most of the rest of their lives in a Panamanian jail.

They were sentenced Wednesday, June 26, for the killing , 18 months ago, of Darío Fernández Jaén, broadcaster and former governor of Cocle who was believed to be uncovering a plot to usurp lands.

Abdiel Joel  Guerra Flores, 23, perpetrator of the killing , and Arner Miguel Angel Garcia, 25, got 30 years in prison for aggravated homicide plus 8 years for aggravated criminal conspiracy, totaling 38 years apiece behind bars.

Julian Alfredo Conte, 36, was sentenced to 31 years and three months for aggravated murder, eight years for conspiracy to commit a crime and two years for being a repeat offender in the commission of crimes. In sum, 41 years and three months in prison.
Both Deshi Iveth Matal Quiros, 33, and Mayra Evelia  Hall Conte,, 47, will each serve 33 years in prison , 25 years for aggravated manslaughter and eight years for conspiracy to commit a crime,and being complicit and primary authors of both offenses.
A sixth defendant, Carlos Emilio Barcenas, was acquitted of both offenses.
The defense lawyers said they will appeal.
Yerina Fernandez, daughter of the victim, said that while the sentences did not return to his father, his death will be used by the authorities to rein in criminal groups.
However, says a La Prensa report, the case is not closed. The investigation remains open and with an outstanding arrest warrant for Ricardo Martinez, currently a fugitive from justice and alleged mastermind of a network to usurp lands.