Honduran Police Arrest Suspect in Murder of Journalist Víctor Fúnez

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Honduran authorities have arrested a suspect in the murder of journalist and congressional candidate Víctor Fúnez.

Fúnez, running for Congress as a member of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández's National Party, was murdered in his home on June 15 in the port city of La Ceiba, Honduras.

Police arrested the suspect, Álvaro Euceda Crúz, aka Edwin Reynieri Suazo, aka "el pájaro," in La Cieba's La Julia neighborhood after a stand-off that left two officers wounded. According to intelligence units, Euceda is a known hitman and drug dealer in the area.

A quick response from Honduran specialized forces and evidence collected during the investigation, helped authorities identify and capture the suspect. The two wounded officers were immediately transferred to a treatment center.

During the investigation, police seized the following pieces of evidence from the suspect: two firearms that will be tested for ballistics evidence to determine which one was used to kill Fúnez; one mobile phone, and the green and black motorcycle ridden to and from the crime scene.

Authorities are still investigating whether or not Euceda was working with an accomplice. If so, concrete steps will be taken to make a timely arrest.

The event has led the Honduran National Police to recommit to fostering security in their country by fighting common and organized crime.

Media Contact: 
Sandra Ramos
[email protected]
202-471-4228 ext. 115

SOURCE Republic of Honduras