In a major update to a fatal shooting investigation that has shaken the community of Santa Elena, law enforcement officials announced Tuesday that two people have been taken into custody in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Ricky Dawson Jr. The confirmation came from Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, during an official press briefing held earlier this morning.
Romero told reporters that both suspects were apprehended in coordinated police operations early Tuesday, and are set to undergo formal questioning by investigators as the probe moves into its next phase. The incident that claimed Dawson’s life unfolded last Friday, when emergency dispatchers received an urgent call about a shooting in the Santa Elena area. First responding officers arrived at the scene to find Dawson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Based on preliminary witness accounts and initial evidence gathered at the site, Romero outlined the timeline of the attack: Dawson was near his residential property when an unidentified vehicle pulled into the area. A suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire in Dawson’s direction, inflicting injuries that would ultimately prove fatal. Further details shared by investigators clarify that the shooting occurred approximately 100 yards from Dawson’s home, while he was actively on a phone call. A black sport utility vehicle was used by the attackers, who opened fire before fleeing the scene. Dawson was immediately transported by emergency services to the San Ignacio Community Hospital, but medical staff pronounced him dead upon his arrival at the facility.
Romero said that based on evidence collected to date, law enforcement’s working theory is that the killing is tied to drug activity. He emphasized that investigators currently see no connection between this murder and any other open criminal cases in the region, adding that Dawson was already a known individual to local police. The investigation is actively moving forward, with forensic teams currently reviewing footage captured by nearby surveillance cameras to fill gaps in the timeline of events and identify potential additional witnesses or suspects.
The claim that Dawson was involved in drug-related activity has been rejected by his family members, who have pushed back against the police’s working theory. One relative of the victim released a public statement disputing any characterization of Dawson as someone involved in criminal conflict, writing: “He never hurt anybody or create enemies. All about making your money and build a future for your daughter. People just badmind and jealous.” The case remains active and ongoing as investigators continue to piece together all details surrounding the attack.