9-year-old boy shot dead in botched robbery while on vacation

A 9-year-old boy was killed in the Dominican Republic earlier this week when a robbery attempt went awry. On Friday, police arrested a friend of the boy’s father in connection with the shooting.

Gioser Luís Feliz suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head after the vehicle he was traveling in was targeted by a group of robbers. The incident occurred shortly after Gioser and his father, Sergio Luis Feliz, left Santiago’s Cibao International Airport on Wednesday.

The pair had just arrived from New York’s JFK Airport and were on their way to a relative’s home when the attack took place, according to Univision.

A total of six suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting, including 32-year-old Tomás Peña Morel. Reports from Diario Libre suggest that Morel, also known as Tomacito, was a friend of the father and would have been aware of the family’s travel plans and route.

The suspects allegedly followed the family from the airport in a rented car, opening fire after the family’s driver refused to stop at a toll booth.

Gioser was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The assailants fled the scene but were apprehended by the police within 24 hours.

Police stated that the suspects confessed to shooting at the vehicle, though it remains unclear whether the attack was targeted or random.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader condemned the tragic incident in a tweet on Thursday, expressing his commitment to ensuring justice is served.

Arrangements are currently being made to transport Gioser’s remains back to New York City.