Two Suspects Sent to Prison for Killing Sergeant Albis Espinoza in Panama

A judge ordered the provisional detention of two men identified as alias Yamir and alias Chema for the murder of Second Sergeant Alvis Espinoza, which occurred Sunday night in the El Chorrillos district.  The hearing, which addressed multiple requests, began at 9:30 a.m. this Wednesday at the Accusatory Criminal System located in Plaza Ágora. The hearing concluded two hours later with formal charges filed against the detainees.  During the proceedings, the court first legalized the arrest and then upheld the charges of aggravated intentional homicide and illicit association, after reviewing the evidence presented by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. 

With this decision, the defendants will remain in custody while the process continues.  According to the investigation, the incident occurred when the National Police unit responded to a call about the presence of armed individuals. During the intervention, the sergeant was shot and killed at the scene, prompting an investigation to find those responsible.  The prosecutor in the case indicated that the investigation points to a possible gang connection in an area where residents often provide information anonymously for fear of retaliation. The involvement of other individuals in this crime has not been ruled out.  The defendants’ lawyers requested an appeal hearing against the measure, which was scheduled for April 24 in San Miguelito. In the meantime, both will remain in pretrial detention.