Colón, Panama – Panamanian law enforcement has apprehended a 22-year-old man wanted in connection with a 2022 homicide case following an extensive search operation. José Vidal Gil was captured in the mountainous region of the Donoso district, Costa Abajo de Colón, on October 27, after remaining a fugitive for nearly three years.
Authorities confirmed that Gil was listed among the most wanted individuals by the Panamanian justice system. His arrest stems from the alleged killing of Alcibiades Figueroa, which occurred on the night of October 23, 2022, in the rural community of Villa del Carmen. According to the Ministerio Público, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim with a bladed weapon, inflicting fatal wounds.
Legal Proceedings and Detention Order
Following his location, Gil was apprehended during a search warrant operation in Donoso. He was subsequently placed under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal de Garantías. The Regional Prosecutor’s Office of Colón and Guna Yala, through its Specialized Homicide and Femicide Section, successfully legalized the apprehension during a court hearing.
The prosecution secured the formal charging and a precautionary measure of provisional detention against the accused, [Translated from Spanish]
The case remains under active investigation to substantiate Gil’s alleged responsibility for the crime of intentional homicide. Legal proceedings will continue as prosecutors build their case against the suspect.
Additional Arrest in Separate Case
In a separate law enforcement action, the National Police reported the apprehension of Adrian Arturl Lee McPhearson, known by the alias “Adi,” on a street in the Barrio Sur neighborhood of Colón. McPhearson was listed among the most wanted for crimes against collective security, specifically related to gang activity.
At the time of his capture, the citizen was traveling in a private vehicle between 10th Street, Santa Isabel Avenue, and Meléndez Avenue. During inspection, he presented police officers with identification and a driver’s license that did not belong to him in an attempt to avoid recognition, but the effort proved unsuccessful.
An active arrest warrant was outstanding for him following Operation Trébol, directed against the ‘Los Tres Nama’ gang, linked to the criminal organization Real Gangster For Life (RG4L), [Translated from Spanish]
The apprehended individual was placed under the orders of judicial authorities for corresponding procedures to initiate the judicial process. These coordinated arrests demonstrate ongoing efforts by Panamanian authorities to address serious crimes across the province.
The Policía Nacional continues operations targeting wanted individuals throughout Panama, with particular focus on homicide suspects and those involved in organized criminal activities that threaten public security.