A suspect in the killing of a 30-year-old farmer, Jean Carlos Ortiz Espada, in Barranquitas turned himself in at the Aibonito district police station on Monday afternoon. According to Captain Juan Bautista, director of the Aibonito Criminal Investigations Corps (CIC), Luis Rivera Ríos called the station to say he would surrender in connection with the shooting, which occurred at 1:37 AM. Monday in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant on PR-156.
Bautista said Rivera Ríos made admissions about the incident during an interview with an investigator. The motive for the killing is reportedly related to a dispute. The CIC is still gathering evidence, including security camera footage, and conducting interviews to corroborate the suspect’s version of events.
Rivera Ríos has a prior record of domestic violence. The case was discussed with prosecutor Juan Santos by Agent José L. Vázquez of the CIC’s Homicidios division.