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Guatemalan police are investigating the murder of Zacapa Mayor Julio Alberto Enriquez Sanchez, who was gunned down on Saturday just meters from his home.
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Sanchez had just stepped out of his home when he was attacked by two men on a motorcycle who shot him, killing him almost instantly. The attackers escaped and have yet to be identified, Volunteer Firefighter Raul Conteras told local media.
Local residents paid tribute yesterday, saying Sanchez had brought considerable improvements to the neighborhood. The mayor was in his second term as municipal administrator when he was executed.
Sanchez was known for traveling without bodyguards and was often seen riding around town and to meetings on his own motorcycle.
URGENTE
— Edwin Escobar (@EdwinEscobarVN) March 17, 2018
Asesinan al Alcalde de Zacapa, Julio Sánchez, en aldea Las Majadas. @ANAM_Guatemala lamenta la pérdida de nuestro compañero alcalde y condenamos todo acto violento de asesinato contra cualquier guatemalteco; exigimos justicia y que se de con los autores de este vil hecho. pic.twitter.com/5wCXvQ1T9B
He was not, however, without his critics. Sanchez had been accused of numerous irregularities during his administration in connection to the water system. Police are investigating complaints lodged against him, as well as threats made towards him.
Congresswoman Laura Franco had publicly blamed Sanchez for the murder of her brother, Jacobo de Jesus de Franco Samayoa, who she said was silenced for denouncing corruption.
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