Red Sox Legend David Ortiz's Shooting Was Allegedly Act of Hired Killers

Baseball legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz’s shooting in the Dominican Republic was reportedly carried out by hired killers. The update surfaces even as Ortiz has been airlifted to the United States for extensive medical attention.

Tragedy struck on Sunday in Ortiz’s hometown of Santo Domingo when he was shot and injured at a bar. The police quickly dismissed suggestions that it was an armed robbery attack and a suspect was taken into custody, but new developments have now emerged in the puzzling case.

According to Daily Mail, the 43-year-old slugger’s representative, Leo Lopez, chalked up the attack to the handwork of hired killers.

“There is no doubt that it was an act of hired killers. If we had known that there was a dangerous situation, he [David Ortiz] would not have been there at that moment.”

Lopez was responding to debunk claims that Ortiz was shot by two cops hired by a Dominican Republic drug lord who believed the famed athlete was having an affair with his wife, the outlet reported.

THE TRAGEDY

Ortiz was rushed to the Abel Gonzalez clinic on Sunday after getting shot in the back at the Dial Bar and Lounge around 8:50 pm on Sunday, we reported earlier. The bullet came out through Ortiz’s stomach.

Surveillance footage obtained by several outlets shows the shooter getting off a motorcycle and aiming at Ortiz who was dining with Dominican TV presenter Jhoel Lopez. Lopez was also shot in the leg, and the police authorities believe he was struck in the leg by the same bullet that hit Ortiz.

FIRST MEDICAL ATTENTION

The MVP immediately went into surgery after telling doctors: “Please don't let me die; I'm a good man.” Following the procedure, Leo Lopez confirmed that Ortiz was stable but remained in intensive care.

"What they have told me post-op is that the doctors believe he will recover quickly,” the Boston Red Sox legend’s father, Leo Ortiz, added. “Big Papi will be around for a long time.”

BIG PAPI'S INJURIES

According to ABC News, Dr. Abel Gonzalez, on Monday afternoon, updated reporters on the significant injuries sustained by Ortiz:

"The wound caused damage to the liver [and] small intestine. We had to remove part of the intestines as well as [part of] the liver.”

Around the same time, the Red Sox sent in a medical air ambulance to transport Ortiz back to Boston for treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital. He arrived around 9:30 pm on Monday.

ARREST UPDATES

Meanwhile, 25-year-old Eddy Feliz Garcia who was initially thought to be the suspected gunman, was just the motorcycle rider, reported Daily Mail. The alleged shooter, who is yet to be named, is also said to be in custody.

Since news broke of Ortiz’s shooting, well-wishers and colleagues of the baseball legend, including former president Barack Obama, have trooped to social media with prayers and words of support.

CONDOLENCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Pedro Martinez, fellow Dominican native and former Red Sox player, shared an endearing photo with Ortiz and tweeted:

“I’m at peace knowing you out of danger; you a strong man Compai, can’t wait to hear your voice. My thoughts and prayers are with you, see you soon.”

“Anxiously waiting for more news,” added retired Yankees player, Alex Rodriguez. “In the meantime, only prayers for @davidortiz, Tiffany, and their family.”

Ortiz is married to Tiffany, with whom he shares three children. The iconic baseball star splits his time between Miami, where his family resides, and his native Dominican Republic.

Ortiz ended his impressive 20-season career in 2016 after making 10 All-Star appearances and leading the Red Sox to many victories.