Gunmen attack TV journalist’s car in Honduras, missing her but killing pregnant daughter

Gunmen fire on Honduran journalist’s car, 1 killed

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Gunmen attacked the car of a Honduran television commentator who has backed the coup-installed government, missing her but killing her pregnant daughter, police said Wednesday.

Interim President Roberto Micheletti blamed members of the movement opposed to the June 28 coup that toppled President Manuel Zelaya, though he presented no evidence.

The National Resistance Front Against the Coup denied involvement.

Two gunmen on a motorcycle shot at Karol Cabrera’s car late Tuesday in the capital of Tegucigalpa, police spokesman Orlin Cerrato said.

The daughter, 16-year-old Katherine Rodriguez, was driving the car. She was 8 months pregnant, and doctors saved her baby boy.

It was unclear whether the attack was related to Cabrera’s work for state-run Channel 8 and a private television station. As a commentator, she largely supported Michelleti’s government, which took power after soldiers deposed Zelaya.

“I’ll say it again: Hit men from the resistance are the assassins of the girl,” Micheletti said during a public event Wednesday evening.

The Resistance Front, which has staged hundreds of street protests demanding Zelaya’s restoration, denounced Micheletti for making accusations without presenting proof.

“The Front does not have hit men, and demands that Micheletti stop making unfounded and irresponsible accusations that foment violence and hate,” the group said in statement.

Several government officials or their relatives have been attacked in recent weeks, but no political motive has been confirmed.

Assassinations of government officials are not uncommon in Honduras, which has one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America, much of it tied to the drug trade.

On Sunday, gunmen killed a gay rights activist who had joined the Resistance Front. The movement claimed Walter Trochez was slain in retaliation for his anti-coup activities, though it, too, presented no evidence.