11 killed, 15 wounded at Guatemala liquor store massacre

GUATEMALA CITY — At least 11 people were killed and another 15 injured in an armed standoff at a liquor store in Guatemala, rescue officials said.

Rescue workers who responded to the scene found victims dead in “hiding places,” in the store’s bathrooms, and in the alleys by the store, Sergio Vasquez, spokesman for the volunteer firefighters told local media.

They arrived at the liquor store in the village of San Jose Nacahuil, about 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of the capital, after getting an emergency call “and a person with a calm voice indicated there were several injured,” Vaszquez said.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of, and who was behind, the carnage.

Guatemala has seen a wave of violence that has left more than 6,000 people dead a year – one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Officials estimate as many as half the violent deaths are associated with drug trafficking and the battle between gangs or “maras.”