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Two journalists killed during Facebook Live transmission in Dominican Republic

Radio producer and announcer shot dead while one of them was reading the news

Family and friends mourn journalists Luis Manuel Medina and Luis Martinez, of the radio station FM 103.5, in San Pedro de Macoris. Photograph: Orlando Barria/EPA
Family and friends mourn journalists Luis Manuel Medina and Luis Martinez, of the radio station FM 103.5, in San Pedro de Macoris. Photograph: Orlando Barria/EPA
Wed Feb 15 2017 - 11:00

A radio producer and an announcer have been shot dead in the Dominican Republic while one of them was reading the news during a live transmission on Facebook.

Police said the shooting occurred on Tuesday in San Pedro de Macoris, just east of the capital of Santo Domingo. Three men have been detained, but no one has been charged.

A Dominican policeman guards outside while investigations are going on at the facilities of the 103.5 radio station. Photograph: Orlando Barria/EPA
A Dominican policeman guards outside while investigations are going on at the facilities of the 103.5 radio station. Photograph: Orlando Barria/EPA

During the live transmission gunfire is heard, along with a woman yelling,“Shots, shots, shots” before the Facebook transmission cuts off. Police say they do not yet have a motive for the killings.

The victims were identified as announcer Luis Manuel Medina and producer and director Leo Martinez at radio station 103.5 HICC.

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Police said a secretary was injured and is undergoing surgery.

Medina was also the official announcer of the Estrellas Orientales baseball team.

AP