A 28-year-old man died and an 18-year-old sustained serious injuries during a shooting at Parc de les Planes in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. The incident occurred on Saturday, 28 March, around 23:00. Eduardo, whom friends identified as “Goma”, reportedly attempted to mediate a dispute before being fatally shot.
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Eduardo, a Dominican national, had just finished work and was waiting for his girlfriend to celebrate her birthday. He was meeting friends at the park when a conflict erupted between his group and another. Witnesses told Metrópoli that the discussion quickly escalated.
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Acquaintances of Eduardo firmly deny his involvement in criminal activity. “He did not belong to any gang, nor was it a drug-related settling of scores,” they stated, according to Official Mossos d’Esquadra website. This quote highlights the tragic nature of his death.
The incident left Eduardo dead almost instantly. Emergency services could not save his life. The 18-year-old Spanish youth received a stray bullet wound. Paramedics took him to hospital in a serious condition, according to Government of Catalonia official portal. He is now reportedly out of danger following emergency surgery.
The confrontation began when a group arrived at the park and started arguing with Eduardo’s friends. Sources indicate the aggressors had a “pending issue” with one of Eduardo’s companions. Eduardo reportedly tried to de-escalate the situation when it turned violent.
Gang Presence in L’Hospitalet
During his attempt to mediate between the two parties, the aggressors drew firearms. A shootout then commenced in the public park. Eduardo’s friend, the apparent target of the dispute, fled the scene. His current whereabouts remain unknown to both the Mossos d’Esquadra and his acquaintances.
Parc de les Planes is a known meeting point for organised gangs. Metrópoli reported that members of ‘Los Trinitarios’ were present during the conflict. This Dominican gang maintains a robust criminal structure across Barcelona and its surrounding areas.
However, Eduardo’s friends insist he was not involved with such groups. They maintain he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. His family does not link his death to broader gang conflicts. This distinction is important for understanding the incident.
Recurring Violence in the City
This shooting follows another incident in L’Hospitalet just two weeks prior. On Wednesday, 18 March, in the early hours, residents of the La Florida neighbourhood awoke to multiple gunshots. That earlier event resulted in no injuries or arrests.
Investigators believe the individuals involved in the 18 March shooting fled before police patrols arrived. They connect this previous incident to a conflict between organised groups. These recurring events raise concerns among residents.
Escalating Gang Tensions
Other sources suggest a “war” is brewing among Latin gangs in L’Hospitalet. ‘Los Trinitarios’, frequently seen in the La Florida and La Torrassa neighbourhoods, reportedly seek to expand their territorial control. This ongoing tension contributes to a climate of concern for local residents.
L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, a city bordering Barcelona, is home to over 260,000 residents. It faces significant challenges with organised crime, impacting community safety and quality of life. The city’s proximity to Barcelona makes these issues relevant to the wider metropolitan area.
Authorities continue their investigation into the fatal shooting at Parc de les Planes. The search for Eduardo’s friend, who fled the scene, also continues. This incident highlights the persistent issue of gang-related violence in the Barcelona metropolitan area. It underscores the dangers faced by individuals caught in such conflicts.
Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta – Urban Life. Read original article.
