Crime

Police Arrest Suspects Thought To Be Behind David Ortiz Shooting

Authorities allege the man behind the shooting was targeting his cousin, not the former baseball player.

Police Arrest Suspects Thought To Be Behind David Ortiz Shooting
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Dominican police arrested two men they believe are behind the shooting of David Ortiz, the former Boston Red Sox star, also known as "Big Papi."

Ortiz was shot in the back while at a club in the Dominican Republic earlier this month. His wife says he's out of the ICU and recovering.

Police believe one of the suspects — Victor Hugo Gómez — is the mastermind behind the attack. Last week, the prosecutor said he is part of a Mexican drug cartel and had arranged the hit from the U.S. Gómez was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Friday.

Authorities allege he was targeting his cousin, not Ortiz. He defended himself in a video posted by his lawyer Friday, saying he wouldn't try to kill his cousin, "and least of all 'Big Papi.'"

The other man they arrested on Friday — Alberto Rodriguez Mota — allegedly paid for the attack. At least 11 other people, including the suspected gunman, have been detained this month in connection with the shooting.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.