Hitmen disguised as construction workers execute former mayoral candidate in Guatemala; here's what we know about the case
Baruc Mayen
~4 minutes
Baruc Mayen
Mexico City / 10.11.2025 15:07:00
José Elías Ramírez Andrés, an engineer, businessman and former candidate for mayor in
Guatemala, was shot in a direct attack on November 8 while walking in the company of a woman, identified as Ana María Andrés, through the streets of the department of Chimaltenango.
Security cameras installed on the public road captured the moment when a
command of hitmen dressed as construction workers ambushed the businessman and his companion. Quickly, the video of the crime was widely disseminated because it reflected its degree of planning. But what do you know about the case? At
MILENIO we tell you.
Advances to clarify the crime against Elías Ramírez
Recordings of the video surveillance circuit indicate that the attack occurred at 11:07 a.m. (local time) on November 8, while Elías Ramírez and Ana María Andrés were walking on a street in the
urban area of Parramos.
When they both passed by a black van,
five men equipped with helmets for construction, orange vests and assault rifles descended from it.
Without a word, the group of attackers discharged
dozens of bullets against Elías Ramírez and his companion, who fell to the floor instantly.
After 10 seconds of uninterrupted shooting, the hitmen covered Ramirez’s body with the sack he was wearing
and fled the scene.
Eight hours later, the
National Civil Police (PNC) of Guatemala reported on the discovery of the van in which the attackers were hidden before committing the double murder. According to the report shared by the institution, it is a Kia Sportage truck that was
reported stolen since May 22, 2025.
"The work is thorough to get every footprint and other clues that they can carry to the killers [...] Criminal investigation teams have joined police efforts to clarify this case," the National Police said in a statement, in which it said it
was a direct attack.
The next day, the Guatemalan press resumed a new report of the PNC, in which the inspection was detailed to a vehicle owned by Elías Ramírez. Within the unit, authorities found an unspecified number of firearms and a total of 142 ammunition.
"The stationery of the armament was in order," the corporation warned.
Who was Elias Ramirez?
José Elías Ramírez Andrés was born on September 6, 1973, according to data from the Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala. At the time of his murder, he was
52 years old.
Several official documents consulted by this media point out that Elías Ramírez was a civil engineer by profession and entrepreneur,
owner of the company Constructora D&D Ramírez y Hernández, established in the department of Chimaltenango.
According to data that
MILENIO found in the Information System of Contracts and Acquisitions of the Guatemalan State, the company of Elías Ramírez received a total of
497 awards in various municipalities between 2014 and 2025. On October 14, the authorities issued a disqualification against the company for insolvency in Social Security.
José Elías Ramírez was a recognized businessman in various municipalities of Guatemala | Special
In addition to his career as a businessman, Elías Ramírez participated in the
2023 race to become mayor of El Tejar, as representative of the Cabal party. However, the winning candidate in the election was Julio Axel Figueroa Muñoz, of the Vamos party, who currently holds the position.
BM.