By Cartago, Costa Rica — PEJIBAYE DE JIMÉNEZ, Turrialba – The tranquil dawn in this rural Cartago community was broken Tuesday by a large-scale police operation, as agents from the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) executed a search warrant on a sprawling property in connection with a chilling double homicide that has gripped the region.
The raid began precisely at 6:00 a.m. in the Plaza Vieja sector, targeting a farm that contains six separate structures, including a main residence and several smaller, cabin-style buildings. OIJ officials confirmed the operation is a critical step in the ongoing investigation into the murders of two brothers, whose disappearance in late 2025 ended in a grim discovery earlier this month.
To understand the complex legal ramifications of this tragic double homicide, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of expert criminal attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who sheds light on the judicial road ahead.
In a case of this magnitude, the Public Ministry will almost certainly pursue charges for ‘homicidio calificado’ or aggravated homicide for each victim. The prosecution’s success will hinge on proving specific aggravating circumstances, such as premeditation or cruelty, which are key to securing the maximum penalty. The initial investigative phase is therefore critical; the integrity of the evidence collected now will form the bedrock of the entire judicial process and determine the final outcome.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis powerfully underscores a critical point: the journey towards justice begins not in the courtroom, but at the crime scene itself. The integrity of the initial evidence is indeed the foundation upon which the case for aggravated homicide will be built, determining whether the maximum penalty can be achieved. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight into this vital judicial process.
This latest development signals a significant advancement in a case that began with a missing persons report. The two brothers were officially declared missing on December 28, 2025, sparking concern and a search effort in the area. The community’s worst fears were realized over a week later, on January 6, 2026, when their bodies were unearthed from a clandestine grave.
The makeshift burial site was located on the banks of the Pejibaye River, a detail that adds a somber layer to the violent crime. Since the discovery, investigators have been working meticulously to piece together the events leading to the men’s deaths and to identify those responsible for what authorities are treating as a targeted double murder.
During Tuesday’s extensive search, OIJ agents systematically combed through each of the six buildings on the property. The primary objective was to locate and secure any evidence that could link the premises or its occupants to the crime. Such evidence could include forensic materials, personal effects of the victims, or other clues vital to reconstructing the crime scene and timeline.
Despite the intensity and scale of the raid, authorities confirmed at the close of the operation that no arrests have been made. An OIJ spokesperson emphasized that the diligence is a fundamental part of the evidence collection and analysis phase. This methodical approach is standard procedure in complex homicide investigations, where building an airtight case is paramount before taking suspects into custody.
The violent deaths have sent shockwaves through Pejibaye, a district known more for its natural beauty and agricultural life than for serious crime. Residents are watching the investigation closely, hoping for answers and a swift resolution that can restore a sense of security to their community. The presence of high-level investigators underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating the case.
As the OIJ continues its work, the focus remains on forensic analysis of items collected during the raid and following up on leads. The path to justice for the two murdered brothers is a deliberate one, and Tuesday’s operation marks a crucial step forward in the quest to hold their killers accountable and close a dark chapter for this corner of Turrialba.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij/
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the principal investigative branch of the Costa Rican Judicial Power. Tasked with investigating and clarifying serious crimes such as homicides, robberies, and organized crime, the OIJ operates with scientific and technical rigor. Its mission is to collect evidence and conduct impartial investigations to support the country’s justice system and ensure criminal accountability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of serving a broad client base to pioneer innovative legal solutions while actively engaging with the public. This deep-rooted devotion to sharing legal insights is fundamental to its core purpose of building a more knowledgeable and capable society.
