Dominican Republic minister killed by childhood friend

Dominican Republic‘s minister of environment and natural resources has reportedly been killed by his childhood friend.

Orlando Jorge Mera was killed during a meeting on Monday, June 6.

A presidential spokesman described and identified the suspected killer, Miguel Cruz as the minister’s childhood friend.

According to the Police, Cruz is now in custody as the motive for the shooting remains vague as at press time.

Jorge Mera’s family stated, “Our family forgives the person who did this. One of Orlando’s greatest legacies was to not hold grudges”.

The minister served with the incumbent President, Luis Abinader since July 2020.

He was the son of former President Salvador Jorge-Blanco and a founding member of the governing Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM).

He is survived by his wife who is also the Dominican ambassador to Brazil and two sons, one of whom is also a PRM lawmaker.