Ugueth Urbina Arrested for Attempted Murder in Venezuela
Major League relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in Venezuela in a gruesome crime involving machettes and gasoline.
Urbina held for murder in Venezuela (AP)
CARACAS, Venezuela — Former Tigers reliever Ugueth Urbina was arrested and held Tuesday pending a charge of attempted murder. Last month, Urbina and a group of men allegedly attacked five workers with machetes and poured gasoline on them in an attempt to set them on fire. All five were injured, some with cuts and one with burns on the back and right arm, police said.
Urbina, who was detained late Monday, has insisted he had nothing to do with the violence at his family’s ranch Oct. 16. “Everything will be cleared up soon and people will know the truth,” Urbina said from his cell at a police station. Urbina’s lawyer said the pitcher surprised the workers by showing up at the ranch that night while they were bathing in the pool without permission. He said Urbina spoke sharply to them, but later left and went to sleep.
Urbina, 31, has a 44-49 record with 237 saves and a 3.45 ERA in 11 seasons. He pitched for the Tigers in 2004-05, before being traded to Philadelphia for Placido Polanco. He became a free agent after the season.
A horrific crime. One hopes Urbina is innocennt of the charges.
