Honduras police investigated in evidence probe

A federal human rights prosecutor has ordered the investigation of Honduras’ police chief and two other officials on charges they destroyed weapons tied to murder investigations, including the assassinations of a former economy minister.

The officials are charged with abuse of authority and violating their duties as public officials, prosecutor Aida Romero said.

Six assault rifles destroyed by Honduran authorities may have been used in the killing of economy minister Reginaldo Panting and several gang members, she said.

Panting was kidnapped in May 18, 2002 and found dead 16 days later after his family paid a ransom. While four men have been tried and convicted in the kidnapping and killing, there are arrest warrants out for other suspects.

The Honduran government also is struggling to solve hundreds of gang-related killings committed in recent years.

“Because of the destruction of the weapons, now we cannot have a full analysis to discover the ones responsible for these crimes,” Romero said.

Police director Coralia Rivera, police supervisor Mirna Suazo and Deputy security secretary Juan Aguilar Godoy will be investigated in connection with the destruction of the weapons, all Russian-made AK-47s, Romero said.