Ángel Luis Hernández Batista, a 49-year-old Cuban who had been convicted at the end of 2023 for drug trafficking, was murdered on Wednesday night in the city of Ajaccio, on the French island of Corsica, in an incident seemingly linked to organized crime.
Around 11:30 p.m. on July 10, Hernández was attacked by two hooded gunmen while riding his scooter near his home. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants fled in a vehicle afterward. The car was found burned out shortly after near the marine cemetery. Inside the vehicle, a charred automatic weapon was discovered, reinforcing the hypothesis of a premeditated action by organized crime.
The prosecutor in charge of the case, Nicolas Septe, detailed to local press that the characteristics of the crime left no doubt about the planning of the homicide, asserting that the victim was ambushed. The ambush took place on the Route des Sanguinaires, a residential area of Ajaccio. The investigation is focusing on Hernández's criminal connections and possible drug trafficking-related revenge.
The victim died at the scene from his injuries. Emergency services arrived quickly but were unable to save his life. Originally from Matanzas and born on November 12, 1974, Hernández had opened a hospitality business in 2015, which he closed in 2023 following his drug trafficking conviction. Known as "El Cubano" due to his origins, Hernández had been in prison until recently, when a sentence adjustment allowed him to be released on parole.
Local authorities and the Ajaccio community are shocked by Hernández's murder. The investigation has been entrusted to the organized crime division of the Interdepartmental Directorate of National Police of Southern Corsica (DIPN 2A). The Specialized Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Marseille, which specializes in organized crime cases, has also been informed and is cooperating in the investigation.
Authorities hope that the autopsy of the victim, scheduled for the end of this week, will provide more details about the attack and help advance the case. The police have intensified their efforts to identify and capture the perpetrators, with the support of the JIRS of Marseille.
Details Surrounding the Murder of Ángel Luis Hernández Batista
This section addresses common questions and provides answers related to the murder of Ángel Luis Hernández Batista, focusing on the involvement of organized crime and the investigation process.
Who was Ángel Luis Hernández Batista?
Ángel Luis Hernández Batista was a 49-year-old Cuban who had been convicted of drug trafficking in 2023. Originally from Matanzas, he had lived in Ajaccio, Corsica, where he was recently paroled after serving time in prison.
What are the key details of the murder?
Hernández was ambushed by two hooded gunmen while riding his scooter near his home in Ajaccio. The attackers fled in a vehicle, which was later found burned out with a charred automatic weapon inside. This points to a premeditated act linked to organized crime.
Who is handling the investigation?
The investigation is being led by the organized crime division of the Interdepartmental Directorate of National Police of Southern Corsica (DIPN 2A) with assistance from the Specialized Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Marseille.
What do authorities hope to learn from the autopsy?
Authorities hope the autopsy, scheduled for the end of the week, will provide more details about the attack and help advance the investigation into Hernández's murder.