A man was shot dead during the wake of his son, who had been killed earlier in a violent attack, in Portoviejo, Ecuador.
In a stark display of violence in Picoazá, Portoviejo, armed subjects carried out a deadly attack during a wake ceremony on Sunday. This tragic event came just two days after Manuel Laz was shot and killed in the same area. At around 12:30 PM, during the wake for Manuel, his father, Ángel Laz, became one of the victims when assailants stormed the residence and opened fire, resulting in chaos and further injuries to attendees.
Witnesses reported that the attackers entered the home and immediately began shooting, which left Ángel Laz critically injured among a group of mourners gathered to pay their respects. The aftermath saw several injured individuals requiring urgent medical attention; they were transported to various health facilities around Portoviejo. Authorities later confirmed that one of the injured succumbed to their wounds, escalating the tragedy to two confirmed fatalities linked to this violent incident.
This attack reflects an alarming trend of escalating violence in the region, raising concerns about safety and security. With the recent increase in crime rates, including targeted killings and gang violence, such incidents disrupt local communities, leaving families devastated not only by loss but also by the pervasive fear that comes with living in an increasingly dangerous environment. The continuing cycle of violence challenges local law enforcement and community efforts to foster a sense of safety and justice.
