Former Guatemalan prosecutor Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa was shot and killed on October 17 at the Campo de Marte sports center in Guatemala City. The 43-year-old, known for his commitment against corruption, died alongside Gustavo Adolfo Aguilar Gamarro, a member of the Guatemalan Judo Federation.
The daytime shooting occurred in the capital in plain view of families and children, including Solórzano Foppa’s son. Police detained two brothers roughly ten minutes after the attack, though the motive for the double homicide has not yet been clarified.
Guatemala City Sports Center Ambush Claims Two Lives
The violent attack unfolded at the Campo de Marte sports center in Guatemala City. Gunmen targeted Solórzano Foppa and Aguilar Gamarro in broad daylight. Responding officers captured two brothers shortly after the attack.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo condemned the killings and promised to pursue both the perpetrators and any masterminds. “We will find them and make justice prevail,” Arévalo stated.
Investigation History Into La Línea and Tax Evasion
Solórzano Foppa was known for his commitment against corruption. From 2013 to 2016, he directed the criminal analysis unit of the Prosecutor’s Office. In that role, he contributed to investigations surrounding the “La Línea” customs scandal, which forced the resignation of then-President Otto Pérez Molina in 2015.
Former Guatemalan anti-corruption prosecutor Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa was shot dead in Guatemala City https://t.co/K03GnIT04S
From 2016 to 2018, he led the Guatemalan tax authority, pushing initiatives against tax evasion. In recent years, he denounced alleged ties between political figures and the Barrio 18 gang, as well as connections between organized crime and the judicial system.
Police Arrest Two Brothers Near Campo de Marte
Security forces apprehended two brothers approximately ten minutes following the shooting at the Campo de Marte sports center.
