Elías Ramírez and a companion were gunned down in Parramos, Guatemala, in an ambush involving over 100 bullets; police continue investigation.
Guatemalan authorities are investigating the brazen assassination of former mayoral candidate and businessman Elías Ramírez, 53, who was killed along with a woman outside his company’s offices in Parramos on November 8. CCTV footage shows masked assailants disguised as construction workers exiting a vehicle and opening fire with AKs, AR-15s, and AR-10 rifles.
The second victim, identified as Delfina Andrés, was walking with Ramírez at the time of the attack and died at the scene. According to police, the assailants fired more than 100 rounds, then covered Ramírez’s body with his jacket before fleeing. Authorities quickly launched an investigation following reports of the incident.
Guatemalan National Police located the vehicle used in the crime approximately eight hours later. The car had been reported stolen on May 22, 2025. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the case remains under investigation.
Ramírez, an engineer and businessman, owned the construction company Constructora D&D Ramírez y Hernández, which handled state and municipal infrastructure projects, including road repairs. Public records indicate that between 2014 and 2025, his company received roughly $55 million in contracts. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor of El Tejar in 2023 under the Cabal Party.
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The attack is widely believed to have been a targeted execution, potentially linked to organized crime within Guatemala’s construction sector. Violence and corruption are prevalent in the country, often fueled by drug trafficking and criminal networks engaged in arms, human, and counterfeit goods trafficking. Guatemala’s strategic location as a transit hub for narcotics has contributed to its high levels of violence and extortion.
The shooting has shocked the local community and drawn attention to the risks faced by public figures and business leaders in areas with entrenched organized crime. Analysts say the use of disguises and stolen vehicles reflects a sophisticated and premeditated operation, raising concerns about security in public spaces.
Authorities are appealing to witnesses and anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in identifying and prosecuting those responsible. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have pledged to pursue all leads, including potential links to criminal networks operating in the construction and municipal sectors.
As Guatemala grapples with widespread organized crime, this assassination underscores the dangers faced by civic leaders and business owners, highlighting the broader challenges of governance, law enforcement, and public safety in the region.