Former Guatemalan Prosecutor Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa Shot Dead in Guatemala City
Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa, a 43-year-old former prosecutor and anticorruption lawyer known for high-profile cases against powerful figures in Guatemala, was killed in a shooting at the Campo Marte sports complex in Guatemala City. The attack also resulted in the death of another man, identified as Gustavo Adolfo Aguilar Gamarro. Guatemalan police reported the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of a carbine-style firearm and a motorcycle. President Bernardo Arevalo condemned the killing and ordered authorities to coordinate an investigation into the perpetrators and those who ordered the crime.
Key points
- Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa and Gustavo Adolfo Aguilar Gamarro were killed in a shooting at the Campo Marte sports complex.
- Guatemalan police have arrested two men and recovered a firearm and a motorcycle.
- Foppa was a former head of the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the tax authority (SAT).
- President Bernardo Arevalo publicly condemned the attack and vowed to pursue those responsible.
- Foppa had previously faced legal accusations regarding his work on the defense team of journalist Jose Ruben Zamora.
What happened
Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa, a 43-year-old lawyer and former prosecutor, was shot dead at the Campo Marte sports complex in Guatemala City. The Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed that a second individual, Gustavo Adolfo Aguilar Gamarro, also died in the attack.
Following the incident, Guatemalan police announced the arrest of two men. Authorities also seized a carbine-style firearm and a motorcycle, which are being processed as evidence in connection with the shooting.
Context
Foppa was a prominent figure in Guatemala, having led the Criminal Investigations Directorate and served as the head of the country's tax authority (SAT) from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure, he was involved in the prosecution of numerous business figures for tax evasion.
In recent years, Foppa had been involved in high-profile legal matters, including joining the defense team for journalist Jose Ruben Zamora in 2023. He later accepted a plea agreement regarding charges of obstructing proceedings, which he had previously denied. Additionally, in 2025, Foppa had publicly alleged connections between criminal gangs and the judicial system, as well as links between the Barrio 18 gang and the National Unity of Hope party.
What's next
President Bernardo Arevalo has instructed government agencies to coordinate with relevant authorities to solve the crime. In a statement on X, the president emphasized that both the direct perpetrators and those who ordered the attack must face legal consequences.
Why it matters
The killing of a high-profile anticorruption lawyer in Guatemala highlights ongoing concerns regarding judicial independence and the safety of legal professionals.
What we know
- Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa and Gustavo Adolfo Aguilar Gamarro were killed at the Campo Marte sports complex in Guatemala City.
- Guatemalan police arrested two men and seized a carbine-style firearm and a motorcycle in connection with the shooting.
- President Bernardo Arevalo condemned the attack and ordered an investigation.
- Foppa previously served as the head of Guatemala's tax authority (SAT) from 2016 to 2018.
What remains unclear
- The identities of the individuals who ordered the crime remain unknown.
- The specific motive behind the attack has not been officially established by authorities.
