Cubs Pitcher Williams Perez Arrested Following Accidental Shooting that Left Coach Dead
There’s some disturbing news coming out of Venezuela regarding Cubs minor league pitcher Williams Perez, who was arrested Sunday after an accidental shooting that killed baseball coach Cesar Quintero. The 26-year-old Perez was reportedly handing the gun to Quintero, 52, when it went off.
While initial reports out of Portuguesa had stated that Perez was the owner of the gun and had a permit for it, Venezuelan reporter Marcos Grunfeld tweeted that Perez was indicted for illegal possession. There’s also a charge of “guilty homicide,” though the phrasing could be a matter of translation.
Former Braves RHP Williams Pérez accidentally killed Cesar Quintero, 52, a former baseball coach while he was training in Portuguesa. Quintero got shot accidentally while Perez was giving his gun to the former coach.
— Marcos Grunfeld / Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube (@TheBeatwriter) February 9, 2018
Former Braves RHP Williams Pérez is under arrest while he is cooperating with the local authorities of his native Portuguesa, can confirm with Portuguesa Baseball Association president, Douglas Mogollon. The Police Department (CICPC) in charge doesn't return our calls or messages https://t.co/lx6TkRwbBV
— Marcos Grunfeld / Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube (@TheBeatwriter) February 10, 2018
Chicago Cubs non-roster invitee RHP Williams Pérez was indicted for illegal possession of firearm and guilty homicide. He will be out on bail once he presents two collateral to arrange the bail, a source said.
— Marcos Grunfeld / Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube (@TheBeatwriter) February 10, 2018
We’re obviously dealing with a fluid situation, the full details of which are somewhat scarce at this point. At the very least, it’s a tragedy that may not be resolved for quite some time.
Perez, a former Braves pitcher, went 7-10 with a 5.01 ERA over 23 starts for the Iowa Cubs last season and was a non-roster invitee to the Cubs’ major league camp. Quintero was a pitching coach who was helping Perez to prepare for the upcoming season.
