Young man wanted for homicide in Santiago dies in alleged confrontation with Police
In an event that has shocked the Licey al Medio community, Christopher Almonte Díaz, popularly known as “El Niño,” lost his life last Saturday night following an alleged exchange of gunfire with National Police officers. The 19-year-old was actively sought by authorities due to his alleged involvement in a violent crime recently recorded in Santiago.
Case background
Almonte Díaz was subject to an arrest warrant issued by the Judicial Office of Permanent Attention Services of Santiago, under number 2026-AJ0070020-001. Authorities linked him directly to the homicide of 23-year-old Amaury Sabiñón, which occurred on August 14th on García Cople Street, in the Baracoa sector.
The criminal record for which he was being pursued included charges for:
- Aggravated homicide, in accordance with articles 91 and 92 of the Dominican Penal Code.
- Violation of Law 631-16 for the control and regulation of weapons, ammunition, and related materials.
The confrontation took place in the community of Las Palomas, when the agents attempted to execute the arrest warrant. While investigations into the exact dynamics of the event remain open, the outcome proved fatal for the young man being pursued.
Incidents at INACIF
Tensions escalated this Sunday at the facilities of the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in Santiago. Relatives of Almonte Díaz, upon arriving at the premises to collect the body, caused disturbances due to what they considered an excessive delay in the handover process.
The situation led to attacks against public infrastructure, where damage to the institution’s front windows was reported following the throwing of blunt objects by those close to the deceased.
The authorities have initiated the corresponding investigations both to clarify the circumstances of the police operation and to determine the legal responsibilities derived from the damage to public property during the protest at INACIF.
