Portoviejo police investigate death of lawyer following alleged shooting

Authorities in Portoviejo, Ecuador, are investigating the death of 33-year-old lawyer Juan Pablo Mendoza Saltos, who died in the early hours of October 17, 2026. The incident occurred on Manabí Avenue following a mass event known as ‘El Avenidazo’.

Mendoza's family alleges that he was intercepted by police officers during a control operation while heading toward his vehicle. They claim he was cornered and shot, specifically pointing to the use of a traumatic weapon. Family members have stated that video recordings exist which may support their accusations against the officers involved.

The National Police have confirmed that Dinased and the Prosecutor's Office are conducting investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the encounter and establish responsibility. While social media footage shows the victim on the ground surrounded by officers, official conclusions regarding the cause of the head injuries and the specific involvement of individual officers have not yet been released.