Costa del Sol

Gangster gunned down in Marbella

By Euro Weekly News Media • 07 September 2014 • 12:25

GANGSTER Gerard Kavanagh gunned down in broad daylight by two masked gunmen.

The Irish born gangster was shot multiple times whilst drinking on a terrace of a bar in Elviria.

44-year-old Kavanagh known as ‘The Hatchet’ from Dublin is reported to have attempted to run from his seat but was shot from behind whilst attempting to flee. Witnesses report hearing at least 10 shots fired, most of which hit the victim, who died at the scene.

The two gunmen fled on foot in the direction of the motorway, police later found a burnt out BMW which they believe may have been used in connection with the murder.

The shooting occurred at approximately 5.00-5.30pm on Saturday at the Pinares de Elviria shopping centre, Marbella, an area frequented by tourists, and just 500 metres from the Don Carlos hotel where this weekend’s Spain-US forum is underway.

Witness reports suggest the assailants were dressed all in back, with their faces covered. The first shot is believed to have hit Kavanagh in the arm, as he ran for cover toward a bar he was shot again in the back. With Kavanagh on the ground the gunmen are reported to have walked to the body and delivered at least one shot to the head ensuring their kill.

A former boxer, the victim was believed to have strong links to the Irish underground, working as an enforcer and debt collector for drug dealer Christy Kinahan in both Ireland and Spain.

This latest shooting will highlight the continued existence of foreign organised crime groups in Southern Spain. But such violence is, according to neighbouring businesses, unheard of in Elviria. One restaurant worker, who did not want to be named, said: “We all get along very well here. The owner of the bar is very nice and there has never been any trouble, up until now. It is shocking that this can happen here.”

On Sunday the bar in question was closed with a smashed window covered with black plastic. Neighbouring businesses at the centre were busy with diners just a few metres away from the murder scene.

This is the second fatal shooting on the Costa del Sol in 10 days. A bar in Benahavis saw a victim gunned down on August 29.