Two unidentified individuals dressed in black shot and killed Guatemalan Journalist Ismael Alonzo González outside his home in the western city of Quetzaltenango on March 21, 2025, before fleeing into a nearby wooded area.
Alonzo had worked as a community reporter with Despertar Occidental, a local Facebook news outlet, for about three years before stepping away from the platform in December. He continued his communication work independently and remained active as a member of the Association of Journalists and Communicators of the Southwest (APCSO).
According to Prensa Comunitaria, his wife, siblings, and colleagues said they were unaware of any threats against him. A preliminary investigation by Guatemala’s Observatory of Journalists—shared with CPJ— said that Alonzo covered criminal issues and was investigating criminal groups in the region.
CPJ’s email to Guatemala’s Public Ministry received no reply.