Gun Violence in Panama Claims Three Lives

Gun violence has claimed the lives of at least three innocent people this week in the province of Panama.  Luis González, Diva Graciela Montenegro and Yakelin Chavera were carrying out their routine activities when they were caught up in a flurry of bullets.

Luis Gonzales, age 50, was managing a fuel station in San Sebastián when he received a shot to the head, ending his life.  He was on duty when the occupants of a car opened fire on another car, which had arrived to refuel.  Those involved managed to escape, but one of the victims was detained with injuries to his arm and thigh, which required medical attention.

Diva Montenegro and Yakelin Chavera were passengers on a bus caught in the middle of an attack at San Miguelito last Monday.  Diva Montenegro, who left behind orphaned teenage children, was a collaborator of a Super 99.  Former president Ricardo Martinelli lamented her death and stressed the high levels of insecurity in the country.

In recent days, a wave of violence has been recorded in different parts of the country, with different levels of atrocity.  Just yesterday, a 19-year-old deceased male with signs of torture was abandoned in Tinajitas.  His death has been linked to gang warfare.