Shooting in Villa Jaragua leaves two dead, two injured

A violent confrontation at a drinking establishment in Villa Jaragua, Bahoruco province, claimed two lives and left two others injured early Saturday morning. The deceased were identified as Gerinson Paulino Pérez Méndez, 54, and Juan Diego Sena Matos, 21. Reports suggest Sena Matos was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire while having drinks with Pérez Méndez.

Authorities have named Darwin Méndez Peña, 49, alias Keketo, and Sergio Peña Méndez, 50, as the alleged perpetrators. One suspect was apprehended, while the other voluntarily surrendered to the investigative police in Jimaní on Saturday morning. Sergio Peña Méndez, one of the accused, was also injured in the incident, sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He is currently hospitalized under police guard at the Jaime Mota University Hospital in Barahona following surgery.

Berta Josefina, 38, a local resident, also sustained injuries during the shootout, a bullet striking her left femur. She is receiving medical treatment at the same hospital in Barahona. Community members suggest the dispute may stem from a decades-old conflict involving the deaths of two brothers from feuding families. Investigators are working with one of the detained suspects to locate the firearms used in the shooting. Both suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.