Police hunt hitman who allegedly killed elderly man over family dispute in Bolivia

Authorities in Bolivia's Beni department are intensifying their search for a suspect accused of fatally shooting 72-year-old Alcides Iriarte Suárez. The incident occurred as the victim was arriving at his home in Santa Ana del Yacuma. Police and the Public Ministry are conducting operations and gathering evidence to identify the assailant, who reportedly fled the scene on a motorcycle.

According to departmental police commander Colonel Iván Bernal, the victim sustained six gunshot wounds. Preliminary reports indicate the attacker approached on a motorcycle, fired at Iriarte Suárez, and immediately escaped. The victim was transported to the General Hospital Jacobo Abularach but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The Public Ministry has taken charge of the investigation, directing police efforts.

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Unfortunately, the victim's death was the consequence of having received six projectiles from a firearm when he was near his home. The perpetrator fled on a motorcycle.

Investigators are considering multiple theories regarding the motive for the crime. A leading hypothesis suggests a potential conflict over family assets. However, departmental prosecutor Alexander Mendoza stressed that this line of inquiry is still preliminary and will be confirmed or dismissed as the investigation progresses. The family initially opposed a medico-legal autopsy, which complicated the immediate procedural steps, but investigations are continuing through witness statements and evidence collection.

Authorities have clarified that no definitive conclusion has been reached regarding the motive. Efforts are focused on identifying the motorcyclist responsible for the attack and determining whether the perpetrator acted alone or had accomplices. The homicide is being treated as a high-priority case, with ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the suspect and uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the killing.

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According to the circumstantial evidence we have, one of the hypotheses is linked to assets related to the victim and his family. However, as the investigation progresses, this line will be confirmed or discarded.