Kenneth Darlington, a 77-year-old retired lawyer born in Panama with U.S. citizenship, was arrested for fatally shooting two environmental protesters in the Chame District of Panama. The incident occurred amid growing protests against a controversial mining contract signed by the Panamanian government.
On the day of the shooting, Darlington approached the protesters blocking the Pan-American Highway, reportedly stating, “this ends here,” before leaving his vehicle and confronting the group. Video footage shows Darlington arguing with the men, asking, “Who are the leaders?” When informed that there were no designated leaders, Darlington allegedly said, “I don’t want to talk to women. I want to talk to men.”
Tensions escalated when Darlington pulled out a handgun, which he kept visible as he began tearing down the roadblocks. One protester taunted him by saying, “Why don’t you shoot?” to which Darlington allegedly replied, “Do you want to be the first?” Shortly after, Darlington opened fire, hitting one protester carrying a flag, and then fired again, striking another man, both of whom later died from their injuries.
According to TVN Panama, Darlington was charged with aggravated homicide and illegal firearm possession. His defense argued that his age and mental state impacted his judgment during the incident.
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