A SUSPECTED gang member was stalked and gunned down by a hitman in a park next to the Union Club. in the exclusive Paitilla residential area on Friday. January 11.

After the shooting, the killer walked away from  Nacho Valdés Park and boarded a waiting getaway taxi on Via Israel. While neighbors who heard multiple shots called the police.

It was one of four gang-related killings in a 24 hour period as the first wave of pilgrims arrive for the World Youth Day (WYD)  amid  preparations for tighter security, during the celebrations  January 22-27 including a visit by Pope Francis

Thirteen homicides were recorded in the first 11 days of 2019. Authorities claim the murder and violence rates are falling but public perception differs.