Shop owner shot dead by gunman posing as customer in Ecuador

ECUADOR — A man was shot and killed after a gunman posing as a customer opened fire inside a store, authorities said.

The shooting happened late Tuesday night around 11 p.m. at the Cascadas de Manuel tourist site in El Guabo.

Police identified the victim as Manuel Benjamín Cabrera Yánez, who was found inside a grocery store with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, the suspect entered the store pretending to make a purchase before pulling out a firearm and opening fire on the victim.

After the attack, the gunman fled the scene on a motorcycle and remains at large.

Responding officers recovered five ballistic casings at the scene. Authorities confirmed the victim had no prior criminal record and was believed to be the owner of the tourist location.

Specialized units are continuing the investigation.