David Ortiz was not the intended target of murder plot, officials say

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Former Red Sox star David Ortiz was not the intended target of a murder plot and was accidentally shot in the Dominican Republic, officials said Wednesday.

The bullet that struck Ortiz in the back at the Dial Bar and Lounge on June 9 in the eastern part of Santa Domingo last week was meant for Sixto David Fernandez, in what authorities have described as a murder-for-hire plot. Fernandez, a friend of Ortiz's who frequents the bar, was sharing a table with the baseball star at the time.

Jean Alain Rodríguez, the country's attorney general, said Wednesday he personally interviewed Ortiz. The baseball icon, known as "Big Papi," told Rodríguez he had no idea who would want him dead.

The attorney general said that authorities believe Victor Hugo Gómez Vasquez, a fugitive believed to be part of the Cartel Del Golfo, orchestrated the alleged murder hit.

It is still unclear why Fernandez was targeted.

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