PEDERNALES, PEDERNALES PROVINCE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – MARCH, 2026 Violent incident occurred in the community of Arroyo Salado, near the river. A couple was attacked by the woman’s former boyfriend. 31-year-old Danilza Mendez de la Cruz suffered three gunshot wounds – two in each shoulder and one in her left hand. Her current partner, Mario Leonel de la Cruz, was attacked with a knife after the attacker ran out of ammunition. He suffered several stab wounds and had his throat slit.
The attacker was identified as 29-year-old Victor Omar Pena Sena, a member of the Dominican army. He allegedly attempted suicide shortly after the act by stabbing himself in the chest. However, he did not succeed and will therefore face legal consequences.
Both of the attacked victims survived. They were transported to the nearby regional hospital Jaime Mota, where doctors stabilized their condition.
