Another Honduran journalist murdered, bringing total since 2003 to 45

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – A Honduran reporter who went missing over the weekend has been found dead, the 45th journalist killed in the Central American country since 2003, officials said on Monday.

Herlyn Espinal, 33, who worked as a correspondent for the daily television program “Hoy Mismo” was found dead in his car in Santa Rita near the northwestern city of San Pedro Sula, authorities said.

Espinal was reported missing Sunday when he failed to come home after dining at a local restaurant with friends.

Honduras, in addition to being one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, is the world’s most deadly, with 79 homicides per 100,000 according to national crime statistics.