Venezuela investigates slaying of indigenous chief

Venezuela investigates slaying of indigenous chief
Associated Press
Posted on March 4, 2013 at 12:03 PM
Updated today at 12:07 PM

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan authorities launched an investigation on Monday into the shooting death of an Indian chief who campaigned for the demarcation of indigenous lands.

Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said Sabino Romero, a leader of the Yukpa tribe, was fatally shot on Sunday along a highway in the western state of Zulia.

Villegas said investigators suspect Romero may have been the victim of a hired killing, but authorities have not determined a motive.

"The investigation is under way," Villegas said. "We cannot put forth any type of hypothesis regarding this reprehensible act."

The Prosecutor General's Office issued a statement saying that Romero reportedly was gunned down by two assailants wearing ski masks and riding motorcycles. The gunmen stopped a vehicle carrying Romero and sprayed it with bullets, according to prosecutors.

More:
http://www.khou.com/news/world/194832561.html