Guatemalan ex-prosecutor Solórzano Foppa shot dead in Guatemala City

Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa, a 43-year-old former prosecutor and former head of Guatemala's tax authority, was shot dead on October 17, 2026, during an armed attack at the Campo Marte sports complex in zone 5 of Guatemala City. Gustavo Adolfo Aguilar Gamarro, 53, also died in the same attack.

Autopsies conducted by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences lasted five and a half hours. Solórzano Foppa died from a brain laceration and gunshot wounds to the skull, while Aguilar Gamarro died from a penetrating gunshot wound to the chest.

“Guatemala demands justice and our efforts are aimed at achieving it.”

Police captured two brothers, Rigoberto Choc Toz, 30, and Daniel Zaqueo Choc Toz, 18, ten minutes after the attack on San Isidro Boulevard in zone 16. Authorities seized a carbine, a magazine, 9 mm ammunition, and a tactical vest.

A judge released both brothers on October 18 for lack of merit. Their lawyer said the seized belongings must be returned and that no payment was required for their release.

President Bernardo Arévalo condemned the killing and called for justice. The United States requested a transparent investigation, and national and international organizations demanded an impartial inquiry into the crime.