Argument over 1,000 quetzales ends in triple murder in the city center
Three men, including a father and son, were killed in downtown Guatemala City after an argument over money
A violent armed incident shook the heart of Guatemala City on Tuesday, leaving three men dead after an altercation that, according to witnesses, began with a traffic incident and a demand for money.
The incident occurred in a busy commercial area near the Historic Center, where merchants and passersby witnessed moments of panic when a motorcyclist opened fire on three men in the middle of the street.
The victims were identified as Alfonso Vicente, 56; his son, Henry Bernardo Vicente Barreno, 34; and Héctor Alfredo Morales Girón, 43.
Emergency responders confirmed that all three died at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Two of the bodies were found lying in the street, while the third was found on the sidewalk.
According to preliminary reports, the conflict stemmed from a minor collision between the deceased and the assailant. The motorcyclist demanded 1,000 quetzales (US$130) for the damages. The two victims refused to pay, and a heated argument ensued, culminating in the shooting.
Witnesses indicated that the victims were well-known merchants in the area, and one of them also worked as a construction worker.
This incident adds to the ongoing problem of violence in the country. According to official figures, more than 3,000 homicides were recorded in Guatemala during 2025, while in the first months of 2026 a decrease of 25.3% was reported compared to the same period of the previous year, although violent events continue to mark daily life in several areas of the country.