Gang leader dubbed "The Black Cat" arrested in Honduras, accused of masterminding massacre of 19 farm workers

June 3, 2026 / 6:43 AM EDT

/ CBS/AFP

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Authorities in Honduras said Tuesday they arrested the man they believe masterminded the killings of 19 workers at a palm plantation last month.The killings took place in Rigores, in the restive Bajo Aguan region of Honduras, where rival gangs have fought over control of palm farms and drug trafficking routes.Carlos Molina — also known as "El Gato Negro," or the Black Cat — is suspected of planning and providing material support for the massacre, Security Minister Gerzon Velasquez told reporters.At least six people carried out the plot alllegedly masterminded by the 27-year-old Molina, but none of them have been apprehended, authorities said.On the same day in mid-May, five Honduran police were killed near the border with Guatemala.

Honduran soldiers and police officers guard the site of a massacre in Trujillo, Honduras on May 21, 2026.