Puerto Rico Ambulance Feud Leads to Murder

Posted by: Curt Varone April 16, 2012 0

A turf battle between rival ambulance companies  has turned deadly in Puerto Rico where two paramedics stand accused of murdering a competitor who allegedly “stole” one of their patients.

Luis Deida Martinez, 31, was shot dead on Wednesday as he sat in a bakery having his breakfast. The names of the accused paramedics have not been released. According to police, they shot Martinez and then drove away in their ambulance.

The two allegedly argued with the victim earlier in the day. At the center of the controversy was a patient that Martinez’s wife, also a paramedic,  picked up that the pair believed was their patient.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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