---
title: "Provisional detention ordered for two suspects in fatal El Chorrillo shooting"
date: 2026-04-15
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/el-chorrillo-killing-detention/
categories:
  - "Crime"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "El Chorrillo"
  - "gang violence"
  - "homicide"
  - "National Police"
  - "Panama City"
---

# Provisional detention ordered for two suspects in fatal El Chorrillo shooting

## What Happened

A guarantees judge ordered the provisional detention of Jamir Ubarte, known as “Chema,” and Edward Lasso, known as “Cholin,” after charging them with intentional homicide and criminal association in the killing of National Police sergeant Elvis Espinosa. The attack occurred on April 12 in Calle 25, El Chorrillo, in Panama City.

The ruling came during a hearing held this Wednesday before Judge América Vergara, who determined that detention was the appropriate measure because of the seriousness of the crime, the risk of flight, and the danger the accused could pose to the community.

## How the Investigation Developed

Prosecutor Víctor Barría said two witnesses identified the suspects as the people seen carrying weapons near a path close to a soccer field known as “PRD,” where the attack took place. A protected witness who was near the scene also said the two men were armed and were firing shots along with three other people.

Investigators link the suspects to the “Vietnam” gang, which operates in Calle 25 of El Chorrillo and has conflicts with other groups in the area. During the hearing, the prosecution said police recovered 19 shell casings at the scene, believed to be tied to the weapons used in the attack, though the firearms have not yet been found.

## The Shooting That Killed Espinosa

According to what was presented in court, Sergeant Elvis Espinosa and his colleague Gerardo Sánchez went to the area after a resident reported seeing five young men with weapons. When the officers arrived, they were met with heavy gunfire.

The two officers took cover inside a wooden structure, but one bullet struck Espinosa in the chest despite his police vest. He later died from the wounds. The image of the area and the fatal shooting have renewed attention on armed gang activity in El Chorrillo, one of Panama City’s most violence-prone neighborhoods.

## Defense Appeal

Defense attorneys Karen Alveó and Carlos Castillo appealed the precautionary measure, arguing that the prosecution has not shown evidence that their clients were the ones who fired the shots at Sergeant Espinosa. A hearing before the Superior Appeals Tribunal was set for Friday the 24th.

The case adds to concerns over gang-linked violence in Panama City and the risks faced by police officers responding to armed threats in urban neighborhoods. For now, the two suspects will remain in preventive detention while the investigation continues.