Woman, 76, killed in Santo Domingo; son wounded, suspect surrenders

A 76-year-old woman was shot dead and her son critically injured during a violent incident in the Villa Liberación sector of Santo Domingo Este. The tragedy, rooted in long-standing neighborhood conflicts, has left the community in mourning while authorities pursue the suspect.

What happened

On October 25, Cira María Mejía was inside her home when an intruder entered and opened fire. Her son, identified as Carlos Edward Soto Mejía, arrived at the scene during the attack and was also shot. While initial reports suggested multiple impacts, preliminary data indicates Mejía died from at least one gunshot wound. Her son remains in critical condition following medical intervention.

Suspect Status

Sources disagree on the current status of the alleged perpetrator, Jeury Cuello Martínez, alias "Boca de Chuleta" or "Chuleta."

• Hoy reports that Cuello Martínez escaped the scene and remains at large, with unconfirmed rumors linking his father to legal institutions.
• Diario Libre states that the 27-year-old suspect surrendered to police on October 26. Authorities confiscated a .45 caliber Glock pistol he allegedly carried illegally.

Investigation

Agents from the DICRIM and the INACIF secured the crime scene to collect evidence. The case has been transferred to the Public Ministry for legal proceedings. If confirmed detained, Cuello Martínez faces charges related to homicide and illegal weapon possession. The exact origin of the feud between the victim and the aggressor is still under investigation by local authorities.