FotoEvidence Book Award Winner
Javier Arcenillas
Spain

Sicarios: Latin American Assassins
One of the most popular and respected professions in Latin America is that of the sicarios: the hit man or assassin. Prices are variable for killing someone and can range from as little as $20 up to tens of thousands. In Guatemala, Salvador and Mexico many young people, including minors, are seduced by the lure of easy money and the respect and fear that comes with the job.

A hooded sicario threatens me for few seconds in zone 14 of Guatemala City.
A hooded sicario threatens me for few seconds in zone 14 of Guatemala City.
A sicario uses his gun to threaten Luis Esteban while demanding his money back.
A sicario uses his gun to threaten Luis Esteban while demanding his money back.
Hector Torre was shot in the head after an argument. He died in the ambulance on his way to the hospital.
Hector Torre was shot in the head after an argument. He died in the ambulance on his way to the hospital.
A hand written sign "Danger" on the wall in Santa Rita shanty town in zone 11 of Guatemala City.
A hand written sign "Danger" on the wall in Santa Rita shanty town in zone 11 of Guatemala City.
Thirty-one year old Karina Marlene was gunned down with 6 shots from a taxi in zone 10 of Guatemala City.
Thirty-one year old Karina Marlene was gunned down with 6 shots from a taxi in zone 10 of Guatemala City.
The famous drug dealer, Jose Francisco Villahermosa together with his wife and two sons were killed by gunshot in the late afternoon in zone 2 in Guatemala City.
The famous drug dealer, Jose Francisco Villahermosa together with his wife and two sons were killed by gunshot in the late afternoon in zone 2 in Guatemala City.
Carlos Vicio Gómez, a street corn vendor, was killed by two shooters using a machine gun at Colonia de la Paz, in Villanueva.
Carlos Vicio Gómez, a street corn vendor, was killed by two shooters using a machine gun at Colonia de la Paz, in Villanueva.
A boy passing by the dead body of Aurora Ramos who was executed by a sicario in zone 8 of Guatemala City. Presumably she owed him money.
A boy passing by the dead body of Aurora Ramos who was executed by a sicario in zone 8 of Guatemala City. Presumably she owed him money.
Bodyguards of the minister Carlos Menocal, in charge of the security in Guatemala City.
Bodyguards of the minister Carlos Menocal, in charge of the security in Guatemala City.
Two victims of gunshots on New Year´s Eve in zone 15, Guatemala City.
Two victims of gunshots on New Year´s Eve in zone 15, Guatemala City.
Martin, a gunman who belongs to the Maras of zone 14, at the hospital in Guatemala City.
Martin, a gunman who belongs to the Maras of zone 14, at the hospital in Guatemala City.
The corpse of a killed sicario on his way to the morgue of the San Juan de Dios Hospital.
The corpse of a killed sicario on his way to the morgue of the San Juan de Dios Hospital.
An "x" is the only sign visible at the grave of an anonymous sicario.
An "x" is the only sign visible at the grave of an anonymous sicario.
A couple prays in memory of their son, recently murdered by sicario.
A couple prays in memory of their son, recently murdered by sicario.
A petition against gunmen operating in zone 6 of Guatemala City.
A petition against gunmen operating in zone 6 of Guatemala City.