‘Jealousy was behind killing’

SANTA BARBARA, Honduras: Miss Honduras was fatally shot as she tried to escape her sister’s jealous boyfriend, police and reports said hours after the siblings were found dead beside a river on Wednesday.

Maria Jose Alvarado, 19, who had been due to fly to London to compete in the Miss World beauty pageant, disappeared with her sister Sofia Trinidad a week ago after a party.

La Prensa newspaper reported that police were investigating whether Trinidad’s boyfriend, Plutarco Ruiz, shot her in the head after he became jealous when he saw her dancing with another man. He reportedly shot Alvarado twice in the back as she tried to flee.

Chief detective Leandro Osorio said the bodies of the beauty queen and her 23-year-old sister had been found buried along the banks of the Aguagual River in the town of Arada.

Police arrested Ruiz and his alleged accomplice on Tuesday. They are investigating other suspects who may have helped to cover up the killings.

Organisers of the Miss World pageant, which begins tomorrow, announced a tribute for the sisters this weekend. – Sapa-AFP