A 25-year-old man has died after a six-day hospital stay, becoming the seventh homicide victim in Panama’s Colón Province, Panama during the month of November. Kevin Alexander Castillo succumbed to injuries sustained in a violent altercation at his home in Cativá on November 23.
Local authorities confirmed the suspect, a 29-year-old man, was apprehended and remains in custody. The fatal incident occurred during a heated argument, escalating when the assailant produced a knife and stabbed Castillo twice.
Violent Altercation Ends in Tragedy
The attack happened while Castillo was with family members at his residence. Witnesses reported the assailant stabbed the victim once in the right shoulder before inflicting a second, fatal wound to the abdomen. Family members desperately attempted first aid and called for emergency services, who transported Castillo to the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital.
Medical staff fought for six days to save his life. Their efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful. The hospital issued a statement confirming Castillo’s death from complications related to the abdominal trauma.
“The National Police lament this violent death and express solidarity with the affected family,” a police spokesperson said. [Translated from Spanish] “Our investigators have the detained individual and are working to fully clarify the motives behind this aggression.”
This case marks a grim statistic for the Caribbean coastal province. November’s total of seven killings has heightened community concerns about local security. Police reports indicate investigations into all homicides recorded last month remain active.
Law enforcement officials have not released a potential motive for the stabbing against Castillo. They are reviewing whether the individuals had any prior relationship. The speed of the arrest, officials noted, resulted from witnesses at the scene providing immediate information to responding officers.
Castillo’s death underscores persistent public safety challenges in the region. Community leaders are calling for increased preventative strategies. They argue reactive policing alone cannot stem the tide of violence.
Funeral services for Kevin Alexander Castillo are expected to take place in Cativá this week. His death leaves November as one of the deadliest months this year in Colón, amplifying calls for actionable solutions from residents and local government alike.