SAA event in Dominican Republic on Wed 25th February 2026

A 30-year-old man identified as Joel González Salas (also spelled González de Salas), alias "Nino", was fatally shot by hitmen while inside his vehicle on the Malecón de Andrés (boardwalk) in Boca Chica, Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic. The attack occurred over the weekend, reportedly late Sunday night, in the area known locally as "Maternidad Vieja" or nearby sectors like Los Tanquecitos or Canpechito. Eyewitness accounts and circulated videos show the victim's red Kia SUV riddled with numerous bullet holes after armed assailants approached, opened fire without warning, and fled the scene. Authorities from the Policía Nacional have confirmed the incident and are actively pursuing the perpetrators, with the case under ongoing investigation as a possible case of sicariato (contract killing). Police spokesperson Colonel Diego Pesqueira revealed that González Salas had three prior criminal records linked to homicide and robbery.