The quiet community of Villa Fundación in Bani remains in a state of profound shock following a brutal domestic violence incident on Wednesday night, December 24. An active agent with the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) is now in police custody after allegedly opening fire on his former romantic partner and her two young children within their family home.
The victims have been identified as Escarlen Melo and her children, aged 7 and 9. All three sustained severe gunshot wounds and required immediate intensive medical care. Ms. Melo is currently being treated at Nuestra Señora de Regla hospital. Due to the critical nature of their injuries, particularly one child who is in a state of extreme medical delicacy, the minors were transferred to a specialized private medical center for a higher level of care.
The alleged perpetrator, named as Frandy Amador Feliz, was reportedly an ex-partner of Ms. Melo. Authorities confirmed he did not reside with the family and is not the biological father of the children. Following the violent attack, Amador Feliz allegedly attempted to take his own life. He is now under armed guard while receiving medical treatment at the Pablo Pina hospital in San Cristóbal.
In response to the horrific event, the Unit for Attention to Victims of Gender Violence is preparing to formally request a coercive measure from judicial authorities, seeking charges of attempted femicide and filicide against Amador Feliz.
The Christmas Eve violence extended beyond this single tragedy. Local authorities in Bani are also investigating two separate violent incidents that occurred in the early hours of December 25. In the Las 20 Casitas neighborhood, a man identified as Wellington Federin Pinales suffered a bullet wound. Concurrently, in the El Fundo sector, another individual, Florentino Aybar, was struck by gunfire during an altercation. The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Police have maintained open investigations to fully clarify all facts and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.