Dominican Republic reports surge in violent crime and police shootouts

A series of violent incidents and police operations have been reported across various sectors in the Dominican Republic.

In Boca Chica, a 19-year-old man, Fraley Isaac, and his partner were shot and killed near a hotel on Las Américas Avenue. The Dominican Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) has called for a deep investigation, rejecting the preliminary theory of a robbery and suggesting the attack was a targeted assassination.

In Santo Domingo Este, a well-known DJ, identified as DJ Doble Black, was fatally shot in front of a local store near the Las Américas Highway. Meanwhile, in the Maquiteria neighborhood, Neyfi Then Monegro, known as ‘La Parita’, died after a shootout with DICRIM agents during an attempted arrest.

In Santo Domingo Oeste, Junior Antonio Guerra Toribio, alias ‘Viño’, died following an exchange of gunfire with police in the Buenos Aires de Herrera sector. Authorities noted he was wanted for involvement in multiple criminal acts. Additionally, in Santo Domingo Norte, police arrested Melvin Ramón Vázquez Álvaro, a fugitive accused of a double homicide in Sabana Perdida.

Other reported incidents include a fatal stabbing in Higüey involving a woman and her sister-in-law, and the arrest of five individuals on a most-wanted list in San Pedro de Macorís.