Santo Domingo Oeste.– The Judicial Office of Permanent Attention Services of Santo Domingo Oeste postponed until next Wednesday at noon the hearing for the coercive measure against National Police Corporal José Francisco Moreta Heredia, accused of causing the death of the young Darlin Enmanuel Mercado Reyes, for the purpose of summoning the National Police to appear as a civilly liable party.
Upon leaving the hearing, the victim’s family lawyer explained that the postponement will allow for the formal inclusion of the law enforcement institution in the judicial process, considering that it must also be held civilly liable for the events that occurred.
Likewise, he reported that the plaintiff maintains its request for 12 months of pretrial detention against the defendant and that he be sent to a common penitentiary facility, different from the Special Operations prison.
“We are requesting 12 months of pretrial detention in a common prison facility, distinct from Special Operations, because he does not deserve the privilege of continuing to be protected by the National Police,” stated the legal representative.
The jurist reiterated that the family hopes the case will be clarified and that all corresponding responsibilities, both criminal and civil, will be determined.
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During his statements, he thanked the support received from the family and expressed his wish that similar events do not happen again.
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“On behalf of the family, we thank the Dominican people, the president, and all the authorities who have taken an interest in morally supporting this family that needs it so much. Hopefully, such a horrendous case will never happen again and will never bring mourning to any Dominican family,” he stated.
The lawyer also valued the position taken by President Luis Abinader, considering that he has acted in favor of the victims.
Corporal José Francisco Moreta Heredia is accused of causing the death of 19-year-old Darlin Enmanuel Mercado Reyes by shooting him during a police procedure that took place last Friday in the Herrera sector, a case that has generated widespread outrage and reignited the debate over the use of force by the National Police.
