The Murder of Panamanian Police Sergeant Jonathan Espinoza

Following the murder of Sergeant Jonathan Espinoza, which occurred on the night of Thursday, September 5, in Ciudad Radial, a district of Juan Díaz, the National Police surrounded the area in search of more people involved in the homicide. Espinoza, 29, a member of the National Police Intelligence Directorate, was shot several times while carrying out surveillance work at a convenience store on Calle 14.  A 55-year-old woman, identified as the victim’s ex-partner and former captain of the National Police, has been arrested.  Commissioner Edgardo Núñez reported that, in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, 30 raids have been carried out, resulting in the arrest of more than 13 people linked to different crimes. “We will not rest until all those involved, who have already been identified, are arrested and brought before the authorities,” said the director general of the National Police, Jaime Fernández. 

In response to the incident, intensive operations have been carried out in Ciudad Radial and surrounding areas. During these actions, illicit substances were seized and a vehicle reported stolen was recovered.  In addition, 52 checkpoints have been established, allowing for the verification of 6,681 people, 20 motorcycles, 750 vehicles, and the issuance of 67 tickets for traffic violations.  The Homicide and Femicide Section of the Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office achieved the legalization of the arrest and the indictment of charges for aggravated intentional homicide, attempted homicide and robbery against the only person arrested so far for this case.  The hearing was chaired by Judge Raúl Urriola, who ordered provisional detention due to the seriousness of the events.  Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim had received previous threats and that the accused was near the scene at the time of the attack. Seconds after her arrival, an armed man entered the convenience store and shot the police officer. The National Police is offering a $2,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the capture of those responsible.  Citizens can call 104, 524-2514, or 511-9081 to collaborate with information.