The alleged perpetrator and an accomplice in the murder of Juan López are arrested

The Attorney General of the Public Ministry, Johel Zelaya, announced this Friday the preventive detention of the alleged perpetrator and an accomplice involved in the murder of environmentalist Juan López, which occurred on September 14 in Tocoa, Colón.

Zelaya stressed that this action is the result of intense investigative work, carried out in collaboration with agencies of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Secretariat of Security.

In his message on X, he said: “ We will remain firm in our mission to ensure that both those materially and intellectually responsible face justice for this murder, reaffirming our commitment to the defenders of our common home.”

For his part, Gustavo Sánchez, head of the Security Secretariat , also confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

Sánchez also reported that the motorcycle allegedly used in the murder was seized.

Authorities have not released the identities of those arrested or any further details about their capture.

Seizure of motorcycle used in the murder of environmentalist

In an interview with La Tarde de Radio HRN, Sánchez explained that the confiscated motorcycle was used to follow the environmentalist before committing the crime and to transport the criminals.

In addition, the Secretary of Security indicated that other raids are being carried out in Tocoa with the aim of making more arrests.

According to Gustavo Sánchez, “there are other people involved, in addition to the two captured, who were essential to carry out this murder.”

Violent death of Juan Lopez

Environmentalist and councilor of the Honduran municipality of Tocoa,  Juan Antonio López , of the ruling Liberty and Refoundation (Libre) party, was shot dead on Saturday, September 14 by unknown persons.

Catholic Church accused Mayor Tocoa of the death of Juan López

The  Catholic Church  of the Caribbean department of Colón, pointed to the mayor of  Tocoa , Adán Fúnez and his circle, for the murder of  Juan Antonio López , environmental leader and councilor of the municipality.

The complaint was made by  Carlos Orellana , parish priest of the Church of San Isidro in Tocoa, while he was giving the homily this Sunday.

“We know very well that he was murdered by hired assassins. In this case, the Church holds Don Adán Fúnez and his henchmen responsible for cowardly taking his life. Juan was a thorn in the side of the municipal corporation,” said the priest.

Orellana also said that “this death is not isolated nor that of a criminal; it was premeditated and planned for some time.”

Adan Funez denies involvement in the death of Juan Lopez

The mayor of  Tocoa, Adán Fúnez , responded this Tuesday to the accusations of the parish priest, Carlos Orellana, who pointed him out directly for the death of environmental defender  Juan Antonio López , stating that in his heart there is no intention of harming those who criticize or oppose him.

“That’s not in my heart ,” Funez said, clarifying that despite the verbal and other types of aggression he has faced as mayor, he has never considered making negative decisions such as ordering someone’s life to be taken.