San Francisco de Macorís police recover handgun linked to homicide

The National Police's Criminal Investigation Directorate (DICRIM) has recovered a handgun believed to be linked to the August 16, 2026, homicide of 27-year-old Joel Muñoz Almánzar, known as ‘El Jevo’, in the El Cercado sector of San Francisco de Macorís.

The weapon, a pistol with serial number CNL412, was voluntarily surrendered by 53-year-old José del Carmen Báez Olivares. Investigations suggest the firearm was located following interviews with José Alexis López Núñez, who claimed he was instructed by an individual known as ‘El Viejo’—a resident of the United States—to find the weapon near a baseball field.

Authorities are investigating whether the recovered pistol is the same weapon allegedly stolen from the victim during the homicide. Police reports indicate the killing may have been motivated by personal conflicts regarding the control of controlled substance sales points. Two individuals, Jhasniel Estévez and Jariel Rosario Ramos, have already faced coercion measures in connection with the case.