Ex-Soldier Who Killed Guatemalan Bishop Dies in Prison Riot

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Ex-Soldier Who Killed Guatemalan Bishop Dies in Prison Riot

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS GUATEMALA CITY — Jul 18, 2016, 5:49 PM ET

A former army officer serving a prison sentence for the 1998 killing of a Roman Catholic bishop died in a jail riot that killed a total of five inmates Monday, Guatemalan authorities said.

Byron Lima was convicted of the murder of Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi, who was an outspoken critic of military abuses during the country's 36-year civil war. The death was confirmed by firefighter Julio Sanchez, but no other details were released.

Lima was an army captain in 2001 when he was sentenced to 30 years for the killing. The term was later reduced to 20 years. Three other men were also convicted in the case, including Lima's father.

Lima had been considered the most powerful inmate in Guatemala's prison system. He was facing additional charges for his activities behind bars.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/soldier-killed-guatemalan-bishop-dies-prison-riot-40679061

[Judi Lynn]

1. Byron Lima: Killer of Guatemala bishop dies in jail riot

Byron Lima: Killer of Guatemala bishop dies in jail riot

2 hours ago

The authorities in Guatemala say an army officer convicted of killing an outspoken Catholic bishop has died in a prison riot. Byron Lima had been serving a 20-year sentence for the murder in 1998 of Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi, an opponent of the then military regime.

His lawyer said he had been shot by a rival gang within the jail.
The former army captain is reported to have been one of the most powerful inmates in Guatemala's prison system.

. . .

Lima was convicted along with his father, an army colonel, and a third soldier of the murder of Bishop Gerardi.

The cleric, who was the head of the Guatemalan Catholic Church's division on human rights, was killed two days after publishing a report in which he blamed the Guatemalan army for most of the human rights abuses committed during the country's 36-year armed conflict.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36831365