Several Persons Arrested for Fatally Shooting Santiago Rajo

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, confirmed that authorities have “several persons in custody” for murder of a church leader in the Teakettle Village, Cayo.

Romero reported that police believe the motive behind the attack was the theft of a motorcycle. He added that police are actively pursuing “several leads” and that the individuals in custody will be questioned for further information.

Santiago Rajo, a well-known church leader at the local Seventh-day Adventist Church, was fatally shot on Sunday in the Arizona area of Teakettle. Reports indicate that Rajo tried to assist his brother, Tomás Rajo, and his wife, who were being attacked during a robbery around 1:30 AM.

Tomás reported that the robbers were three masked men armed with a gun and demanded money, cell phones, and other valuables. Tomás told News 5 that the robbers were communicating with one another in English.

Local residents have raised concerns over the rising number of violent crimes and have called for increased police patrols. “So many people have been attacked by these robbers, and nothing has been done,” said Rosa Rajo, Rajo’s wife, in an interview with News 5.