Guatemala arrests alleged gang member as suspect in slaying of journalist over extortion

GUATEMALA CITY – Guatemalan authorities have arrested an alleged gang member as the suspected mastermind in the killing of a journalist.

Prosecutors say a wiretap captured suspect Antonio Televario Navichoc saying he ordered the slaying of Guido Villatoro.

Villatoro was a reporter and cameraman for local channel Servicable in the Suchitepequez department of southwestern Guatemala. He was gunned down March 13 as he was entering the office where he worked.

Authorities say Villatoro was killed for refusing to make an extortion payment.

President Otto Perez Molina announced Navichoc's arrest Friday.