Sojo, who grew up in the Romero home, said police and two people who rushed Romero to the hospital told him the boy had been shot in the head by pro-government groups. Official confirmation of Sojo's account was not immediately available, and the country's energy minister said the boy was killed during an attempted assault. A 23-year-old woman identified as Paola Ramirez was killed by gunfire from pro-government groups circling protesters in the western city of San Cristobal, the town's mayor told The Associated Press. With its momentum renewed, the opposition is now pushing for Maduro's removal and the release of scores of political prisoners. In the past, the groups known as collectives have operated like shock troops firing on protesters as security forces stand by.

Source: CBC News April 19, 2017 22:42 UTC