Uber says slain Villas Agrícolas taxi driver had no ties to its platform

Santo Domingo.- Uber issued a statement Friday distancing itself from the July 20 slaying of taxi driver Wilmer Aquino Rojas in Villas Agrícolas, confirming that he had not worked for or used the ride-hailing app since 2023.

“After a thorough review of our records and based on publicly available information, Wilmer Aquino Rojas had not conducted trips on the Uber platform, as either a driver or a rider, since 2023,” the company said. “We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. This tragic incident is not linked to an Uber trip.”

The National Police have arrested two suspects in the case. Marlyn Alfosyna Garabitos Díaz, known locally as “Michel” or “La Cherry,” faced an outstanding arrest warrant, and was captured in Los Molinas, San Cristóbal, following a targeted intelligence operation. Authorities also took 18-year-old Johansel Rafael Presinal, nicknamed “El Seibo” or “El Sabio,” into custody and ordered three months of preventive detention, identifying him as the principal assailant.

According to the preliminary report, Aquino Rojas, a resident of La Guáyiga in Pedro Brand, was shot multiple times while offering his taxi services. Investigators believe a four-member gang attacked him with the intent to rob. Two additional suspects remain at large: Darlin Méndez (“30-30”) and Manuel (“Redondo”). Police urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to come forward or surrender to face justice.