Kenneth Darlington, 77-year-old Lawyer and Professor, Fatally Shoots Two Environmental Protesters Blocking Panama Highway

Accident – Death – Obituary News : In a horrifying incident that has sent shockwaves throughout Panama, a 77-year-old lawyer and professor named Kenneth Darlington fatally shot two environmental protesters who were blocking the Panama Highway. The victims, identified as Abdiel Diaz, a teacher and union activist, and Ivan Mendoza, were participating in a protest against a controversial mining contract that allowed Canada-based First Quantum Minerals to operate Panama’s largest pit copper mine for several years.

The incident occurred during the third week of the protest, which was taking place on the Pan-American Highway in Chame, located 51 miles from the capital city of Panama. Darlington, who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Panama, was driving along the road when he encountered the swarm of protestors on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

Disturbing video footage of the incident has circulated online, garnering millions of views. One of the clips shows a visibly frustrated Darlington stepping out of his car and trying to direct the protestors to move out of the way. As the argument escalates, Darlington pulls out a gun and opens fire, ultimately killing one of the protestors on the scene. The second victim was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.

Following the shooting, Darlington was apprehended at the scene and is currently in custody. However, there are reports suggesting that due to his advanced age, he may be sentenced to house arrest instead of being incarcerated.

This tragic event has sparked outrage and renewed discussions about the potential consequences of controversial mining contracts. The protestors believed that the contract with First Quantum Minerals could pose significant environmental threats to the region. Their determination to block the Panama Highway was an attempt to draw attention to their concerns and demand a reassessment of the contract.

In a disturbing twist, it has come to light that Darlington has a criminal history dating back to 2005. According to NewsRoom Panama, he was arrested that year after a raid on an apartment in Paitilla, where he was found in possession of various assault weapons, including two M-1 rifles and an AK-47. Darlington was released on bail after claiming that the weapons were part of a collection. He was also linked to financier Marc Harris, who was convicted of money laundering in the United States.

Details about Darlington’s background have emerged from various sources, including a Facebook profile that appears to belong to him. The profile states that he studied at Florida State University and Isae Universidad Panama and worked as a university teacher. Additionally, a social media user named Rob Brown alleged that Darlington operated a law firm called Mossack Darlington & Associates in Panama.

Panama President Laurentino Cortizo expressed his condolences to the families of the two victims in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). The violent incident has highlighted the need for peaceful dialogue and a thorough examination of the potential consequences of mining contracts on the environment.

As the investigation into this tragic event continues, the people of Panama mourn the loss of Abdiel Diaz and Ivan Mendoza, whose lives were cut short while peacefully protesting for a cause they believed in..