Former Tocoa mayor charged in murder of environmentalist Juan López

The Public Ministry of Honduras has formalized accusations against the former mayor of Tocoa, Adán Fúnez Martínez, for his alleged involvement in the murder of environmentalist and councilman Juan Antonio López. During a preliminary hearing, the Special Prosecutor's Office for Crimes Against Life (FEDCV) charged Fúnez Martínez with murder and criminal association.

The attack on López occurred on September 14, 2024, in Tocoa, Colón, when he was shot while leaving a religious activity at the San Antonio de Padua church. Investigations by the Directorate of Police Investigations (DPI) indicate that several other individuals are also involved in the case.

Juan Ángel Ramos Gallegos and Héctor Eduardo Méndez face charges of criminal association. Additionally, Óscar Alexi Guardado Alvarenga, Daniel Antonio Juárez Torres, and Lenin Adonis Cruz Munguía are being processed. Evidence suggests Guardado Alvarenga coordinated the delivery of a motorcycle used in the attack and conducted surveillance on the victim's home and frequent locations.