Investigation of prison break requested

El Sistema Penitenciario Nacional has asked the Dirección de Investigación Judicial (DIJ) to investigate Saturday's escape of four prisoners from La Joyita to determine if any police officers on duty that day were involved.

Penal System Director Luis Gordon said the request was made by La Joyita Director Dora Santanach. The incident is also being investigated by the Dirección de Responsabilidad Profesional of the Policía Nacional.

Gordon said that, according to preliminary reports, the four prisoners escaped after breaking the bars of their cells, which are located near the perimeter of the prison. The inmates apparently used tools smuggled into the facility.

One of the prisoners, Federico Asusa, was shot to death Sunday by police. Asked about the shooting, Gordon said it was justified.

“These men continued with their life of crime,” he said. “Those who are repentant serves their sentence and leave in freedom.”

Another of the fugitives was shot during the incident involving Asusa. That inmate has been treated and returned to custody.So far this year, there have been 17 escapes from the country's various prisons, which has included a total of 30 inmates. So far, seven have been recaptured.