SThe main suspect in a double murder at a tourist campsite in Foinikounda has been arrested, with his alleged accomplice telling police the killings were the result of a failed blackmail attempt stemming from past sexual abuse.
A 22-year-old man, believed to be the gunman who fatally shot the 68-year-old campsite owner and his 50-year-old caretaker on Oct. 5, was taken into custody on Monday, nine days after the killings.
His alleged accomplice, also 22, surrendered to police earlier the same day.
In his testimony, the accomplice reportedly claimed that the campsite owner had sexually abused him in 2022 and that he had since been extorting money from the man in exchange for his silence.
"Initially he gave me money, but at some point, he stopped," he told police, according to local media.
He said he and his friend, the alleged shooter, returned to the campsite to threaten the owner for more money.
"My friend was the one who entered the reception and shot," he reportedly said.
Authorities had identified both suspects days ago but accelerated the arrests after video footage emerged showing them fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
An investigation is ongoing.