Guatemala prison director assassinated in Escuintla

José Ariel Barrios Rodríguez, the 41-year-old director of the Granja Penal Canadá rehabilitation farm, was killed in an armed attack in Escuintla, Guatemala. The incident occurred on the night of Friday, October 23, in the Cantón Voladores area.

According to reports from the National Civil Police (PNC), Barrios Rodríguez was traveling as a passenger on a white motorcycle driven by a woman when they were pursued by individuals on a black motorcycle. The attackers intercepted the vehicle and opened fire. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head, neck, and cheek.

Authorities recovered several shell casings at the scene. The General Directorate of the Penitentiary System confirmed the death of the official, noting that he was traveling following a rest period and had not yet arrived for his scheduled shift on Saturday.