Helmin Wiels, Curacao Politician, Shot Dead On Marie Pompoen Beach

On Sunday afternoon, a prominent Curacao politician was shot to death on a pier located on a beach at the east side of the island of Curacao. According to the BBC, witnesses say a gunman killed Wiels on the beach and then sped off in a car.

Helmin Wiels was the leader of the Pueblo Soberano party -- a group with the goal of gaining independence for Curacao from the Netherlands.

According to curacaochronicle.com, "Pueblo Soberano is the largest party in government at this moment. After last election it became the leading party to form a government."

The BBC also reports that Wiels is the first politician to be assassinated on the Island of Curacao.

The Office of the Public Prosecutor issued a statement saying, "The Public Prosecutor's Office Curaçao formed a 'Major Investigation Team' (TGO) after the fatal shooting at Marie Pampoen on Sunday evening. All partners in the judicial chain, led by various public prosecutors, are participating in this."

The Prime Minister spoke to the media and said that they "are not accustomed to these things on the island." No motive for the killing has been stated and there are no suspects in custody. Authorities believe organized crime played a part in the assassination of Helmin Wiels.

Wireupdate.com says, "Pueblo Soberano won last year's general election with 22.6 percent of the vote, giving it five seats in the 21-member Estates of Curacao. Wiels had received death threats in the past and would typically have a bodyguard with him, but the bodyguard had already been sent home at the time of the shooting."

Witnesses speaking with various news outlets say two gunmen approached Wiels on the beach and fired five shots killing the politician. No bystanders were hurt during the assassination.