Footballer, 18, tragically dies after being shot twice in the head after brawl breaks out at softball match
A TEENAGE footballer was fatally shot in the head when a brawl erupted halfway through a game of softball.
Giancarlos Giameli García del Cid had gone to the neighbourhood match as a spectator.
The commotion erupted halfway through the game in María Chiquita, Panama, on Sunday, 9 June.
It took a violent turn when, according to witnesses, one of the quarrellers pulled a gun and started shooting.
Giancarlos, 18, was shot twice in the head and died from his injuries.
Five other men, aged between 22 and 39, were wounded by the gunfire.
They were rushed to a hospital in Sabanitas for medical treatment.
Giancarlos’ family says there weren’t enough ambulances to take the footballer.
When police officers arrived on the scene, they found several people injured and others in shock.
After securing the area, they arrested two suspects, as reported on NeedToKnow.
Prosecutors have since charged them with homicide with aggravating factors and attempted homicide.
A 21-year-old man has been remanded into custody.
Giancarlos played as a centre-back for top-flight team Árabe Unido in Colón.
He had made his debut for the first team a few months earlier.
He was also part of the Panama U-17 team that played in the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
His club, the Panamanian Football Federation, and the Panamanian Football League have all shared condolence messages on social media.
Árabe Unido wrote: “At 18 years old, he stood out not only for his skills on the field but also for his values and respect towards his teammates and coaches.
“We bid farewell to his physical presence, but his spirit and bravery will always remain with us.”