Violence in Panama: Retired Police Officer Killed with his own Gun

The crime occurred in a bar in the town of Pacora, bringing the number of homicides reported over the weeked to 11. 

In the shadow of the night, a tragedy took place at the El Guarapillo Bar, located in the Cabra sector, Pacora district, where Juan Miguel Cuevas Melgarejo, a 54-year-old retired lieutenant of the National Police, met a violent end.  At 1:00 am on Monday, June 17, two shots rang out that sealed his fate. 

The assailant, in a ruthless act, snatched the victim’s bag which was protecting his weapon and without hesitation shot him, leaving fatal wounds on his chest and left side, a police source detailed.  The former lieutenant was transferred to the Irma De Lourdes Tzanetatos Hospital, where he died at 2:45 in the morning. 

This act is nothing more than the reflection of a crisis that mercilessly plagues the provinces of Panama, Panama Oeste and Colon, adding Cuevas Melgaerjo to the growing list of victims.