Peru: Two arrested for murder of journalist and candidate in regional elections

Two people were arrested in Peru for their alleged involvement in the murder of journalist and candidate for the Regional Government of Áncash, Susy Aponte Polo, which occurred this Saturday, Sept. 19, in the city of Caraz. The Huaylas Provincial Corporate Criminal Prosecutor's Office is investigating the case as an alleged contract killing.

According to El Comercio, Attorney General Tomás Gálvez confirmed that authorities had arrested the alleged hitman and noted that the involvement of other individuals was also being investigated, including an alleged financier and the person who is said to have transported the attacker.

"The hitman has already been arrested, as has an alleged financier—at least that is the immediate impression—and another person who was transporting the hitman. So far, three people have been arrested, and the case is being clarified," Gálvez stated.

The attorney general explained that the investigation is being conducted jointly by the Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Police and that there is already evidence that could establish links between those involved and the murder.

Regarding the possible masterminds behind the crime, Gálvez indicated that the Prosecutor's Office is considering several hypotheses, though he declined to provide details that could compromise the ongoing proceedings.

"We cannot specify anything yet, but there are several working hypotheses to identify those who ordered the murder. We cannot disclose this information so as not to jeopardize the investigation, but progress has been made, and we have more leads to make further arrests," he stated.