1992 murder suspect may lead assembly

Panama’s ruling party has nominated a lawmaker who was charged with the murder of a U.S. soldier in the 1990s to head the National Assembly.

The Democratic Revolutionary Party’s backing for Pedro Miguel Gonzalez means that he is almost certain to win the job in a Sept. 1 vote.

Gonzalez, 42, was indicted in the United States on charges that he fatally shot U.S. Army Sgt. Zak Hernandez in June 1992, a day before a visit by President George H.W. Bush.

Gonzalez said he was miles away at the time of the shooting, and he was acquitted in a 1997 trial in Panama. Washington says the trial was marred by jury rigging, witness intimidation and government harassment, and Gonzalez is still wanted in the United States.