Panama police link footballer Ivis Ubarte's murder to gangs, pursue suspects

Panamanian authorities are actively investigating the murder of 23-year-old footballer Ivis Ubarte, who was fatally shot in her residence in El Ciruelito de Antón on the night of August 11.

The National Prosecutor's Office, through its Unit for Crimes Against Life and Personal Integrity, is leading the inquiry. Investigators are collecting surveillance footage and conducting interviews to reconstruct the events. The National Police Director, Jaime Fernández, indicated that the investigation is focusing on a potential link to gang violence. He stated that several individuals have been identified and are considered suspects, with police operations ongoing to apprehend them. Some of these individuals reportedly have criminal histories.

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This case does not escape a line of investigation that we have, which is related to some gang group.

Ubarte, widely known in the sporting world as 'La Rosadita,' was a player for Inter Panamá CF in the Women's Football League and had represented Panama's women's national team. Her death has sent shockwaves through the Panamanian women's football community, with many expressing grief and disbelief.

The crime, as reported, involved two armed assailants who entered Ubarte's home. They initially attempted to shoot her mother, but the weapon malfunctioned. One of the attackers then proceeded to Ubarte's room and fired multiple shots. The assailants fled the scene in a sedan, heading towards the Pan-American Highway. No arrests have been confirmed to date.

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The authorities are collecting elements to determine the motive for the homicide and establish responsibility for those who participated in the young footballer's death.