Puerto Rico Police are investigating a killing reported at about 7:16 AM on Saturday, November 7, in a vacant lot between the Candelaria public housing complex and the pedestrian bridge on PR-2 in Mayagüez. The body had gunshot wounds, and the victim’s identity has not been released. Pedro Julio Serrano, president of the LGBTQ+ Federation of Puerto Rico, said the victim was a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
All people deserve to live in peace, equity and freedom.
It was the second case handled that Saturday, because another killing reported in San Juan also involved a member of the LGBTQ+ community. "Police officials, both in San Juan and in Mayagüez, have told us that the protocols for crimes against LGBTQ+ people were activated and that all angles will be investigated, including hate and gender-based violence," Serrano said in written statements.
"We trust that the second victim can soon be properly identified and that justice will be done in both cases. Meanwhile, we call for respect for the life of every human being regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. All people deserve to live in peace, equity and freedom."