Inmates shot to death on the softball pitch

An old argument between the prison leaders of the sector known as Las Torres (mostly ex-police agents) and their counterparts in the sector called Los Talleres was the explosive device. The trigger was an accidental shot during a conclave of rival gangs held in the administrative area of Yare I jail, at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Venezuelan Minister of Penitentiary Services Iris Varela reported that one visitor and 24 inmates were killed during the battle that lasted four hours. At least 43 were taken to local hospitals. Nine of them are seriously injured, according to the minister.

"Some of the bodies could not be recognized because they were shot point-blank. Only 17 out of the 25 casualties have been identified," Varela specified on Monday afternoon.

Concomitantly with the peace-making meeting between the gangs, a sports event was being held to celebrate the deal.

According to relatives, the members of a softball team shot their counterparts as soon as the struggle began. "Those from La Torre were better trained because they are former police agents and military officers," Josefina Pérez, a witness, explained.

Translated by Conchita Delgado