Don Lázaro Aponte

Retired colonel and long‑time mayor who waves to Santiago and believes he is safe. Colonel Lázaro Aponte learns of the twins’ plan, confiscates their knives, releases them, and believes no arrest is justified on suspicion alone. Ordered the autopsy, investigated the Arab community, and later changed personal habits Colonel Aponte tried to control the crowd, discussed sending people home, and witnessed the murder scene.