U.S. tourist killed by robber in zone 1 of Guatemala

A U.S. tourist identified as Christopher Howard James, 35, from New Orleans, was killed in the early hours of July 27 during a robbery near Parque Isabel la Católica, in Zone 1 of Guatemala City.

According to security camera footage, James was walking toward the Historic Center when he was intercepted by a man on a motorcycle, identified by authorities as Gerson Enrique Lucas Izaguirre, alias “El Torito,” 26.

The footage shows the attacker approaching the victim, demanding his belongings, and warning him that he “didn’t want to shoot.”

Incident details

James placed his cell phone on the ground and raised his hands, but as he tried to walk away, he was shot at point-blank range.

Gravely injured, he managed to run a few meters before collapsing on the street. The assailant took the phone and fled without checking the victim’s condition.

Authorities reported that the attack occurred close to where Lucas Izaguirre was known to operate and that he was located thanks to the security camera recordings.

He was arrested on July 29, just two days after the crime, on 7th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in the same area.

“El Torito” linked to two murders in less than two weeks

The Prosecutor’s Office Against the Crime of Femicide has also linked “El Torito” to another murder on July 17, when he allegedly robbed and killed Disvelia Yaneth Sacul Morales, a 36-year-old private security guard, in Zone 6 of the capital. In that incident, the suspect reportedly stole a firearm that is now being investigated to determine if it was used in the tourist’s killing.

Currently, Lucas Izaguirre faces charges of murder and aggravated robbery and is under investigation for his possible involvement in a network of motorcycle thieves operating in the Historic Center of the capital.

U.S. Embassy arranging repatriation of the body to New Orleans

The body of Christopher Howard James remains at the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) while the United States Embassy in Guatemala arranges its repatriation to New Orleans and maintains communication with the victim’s family.

Video of the attack