A violent incident during the equestrian festivities in La Libertad, located in the central Department of Chontales, left one young man dead and another injured when a firearm was fired during a confrontation. The deceased was identified as Elton Antonio Flores Pérez, aged 28, who was involved in a heated altercation with another unidentified teenager. Eyewitness accounts and reports from charitable organizations describe a tense exchange that escalated into gunfire after one participant pulled out a pistol. Video footage circulating on social networks shows the moment the weapon was discharged multiple times, with at least three shots fired during the struggle. One round reportedly struck the 28 year old in the head while another hit him in the back, leading to a sudden death. A female bystander sustained a leg injury from a stray bullet during the incident. The injured woman has been named as Esmeralda Sánchez and was transported to a regional hospital for treatment.
The event occurred on Sunday night at the equestrian festival grounds in the municipality of La Libertad. Local authorities responded promptly to the scene, taking a person identified as the father of the victim into custody and recovering the weapon involved. The man, described as a husband and father, was detained as part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.
The tragedy has raised concerns about public safety at community celebrations and the availability of firearms during events that draw families and communities together. Law enforcement continues to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and determine the sequence of events that culminated in this deadly outcome. Authorities urge residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as they work to understand what happened and to prevent further violence at public gatherings.
In the wake of the incident, community leaders and safety officials are calling for renewed vigilance and stronger oversight at local festivals. The loss of a young man and the injury of a neighbor underscore the potential risks that can accompany emotional disputes in crowded settings. Support services have been offered to those affected by the violence, and efforts are being made to ensure the affected family receives the necessary assistance during this difficult time.