Journalist And Cameraman Shot To Death In Honduras

Story ByAna LacasaSub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyNewsflash

This journalist and cameraman have been shot to death in Honduras and the authorities have arrested an alleged member of a Los Angeles street gang in connection with the double murder.

Journalist German Vallecillo, 41, and cameraman Jorge Posas, 28, were shot dead as they were travelling through the residential area of El Naranjal, in the city of La Ceiba, in the northern Honduran department of Atlantida.

Local newspaper El Heraldo report the pair were attacked by a gang of armed people who walked in front of the car the victims were travelling in before opening fire and fleeing on foot. Both victims were left dead at the scene.

Newsflash/@german.vallecillo

Vallecillo’s father, himself a journalist also called German, told El Heraldo: “You never think that something like this could happen to a man like my son. I am honestly leaving everything up to God. I forgive them [the murderers], but God will not forgive then, they are going to know God’s rage.”

Vallecillo’s wife reportedly broke down at the crime scene, fearing she “would not be able to go on”.

Both victims reportedly worked for the TV channel 45TV, where Posas was also a producer.

Newsflash/@german.vallecillo

Local newspaper La Prensa report Rossell Posas, the Director 45TV and uncle to the cameraman who was killed, said: “Our hearts are hurting, we have been here to say our last goodbyes to one of the men who was part of the media, like Jorge Posas, my nephew”.

Posas has been buried whilst Vallecillo’s body remains with the authorities as they wait for his mother and brother to return from the Cayman Islands before burying him.

The United Nations (UN) and the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) asked the Honduran government to investigate the case, with the UN citing data showing that 82 journalists and media workers have been murdered in Honduras since 2001.

Newsflash/Posas Jorge

The Honduran authorities have since confirmed that five people have been arrested, including Ramon Daviz Zelaya Hernandez, 24, after evidence was reportedly found linking them to the crime.

El Heraldo report Hernandez belongs to the Barrio 18 street gang which was formed in Los Angeles and is now spread across Central America.

The other four suspects have not been identified and no motive has yet been provided for the crime.

The investigation is ongoing.

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