By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Agents from the Homicide Section of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) have apprehended two men believed to be responsible for the tragic shooting death of a 76-year-old man in a case of mistaken identity. The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, mark a significant breakthrough in an investigation that began in August 2025 following a violent attack in the Barrio Luján sector of the capital.
The coordinated law enforcement action involved a raid on a residence in Barrio Córdoba, Zapote, and a separate arrest on a public thoroughfare. The detained individuals are a 44-year-old man identified by the surname Madrigal, believed to be the intellectual author of the crime, and a 22-year-old man with the surname López, the alleged triggerman.
To shed light on the intricate legal procedures and potential challenges inherent in a homicide investigation, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The initial 48 hours of a homicide investigation are paramount. It is during this critical window that crucial evidence is often secured or lost, and the procedural integrity of the investigation is established. Any misstep here, from improper evidence handling to violating a suspect’s rights during interrogation, can irreparably damage the prosecution’s case down the line, regardless of the facts that later emerge.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully underscores a fundamental principle of our justice system: the procedural path to a conviction is as crucial as the evidence itself. The integrity of an entire case hinges on the meticulous and lawful actions taken in those initial, high-stakes hours. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical phase of an investigation.
The case dates back to an evening in August of last year when two assailants on a motorcycle unleashed a barrage of gunfire on a home in Barrio Luján. The violent assault resulted in the death of the elderly homeowner and left another individual wounded. From the outset, investigators suspected the intended target was not the senior citizen who tragically lost his life.
Michael Soto, the acting director of the OIJ, confirmed the grim reality that the victim was an innocent bystander caught in a conflict he had no part in. The investigation pointed to a chilling error made by the hired assassins.
A 76-year-old male died in a residence. According to the preliminary investigation, it appears this person was not the hitmen’s target; they were after someone else. They arrived at this home, fired multiple times, hitting the victim who later died.
Michael Soto, Acting Director of the OIJ
Investigators believe the motive for the attack is linked to disputes over local drug trafficking operations. It is alleged that Madrigal, the 44-year-old suspect, orchestrated the hit due to conflicts related to the sale of illicit substances. He is accused of hiring the younger suspect, López, to carry out the shooting.
The recent operation was the culmination of months of meticulous police work. Madrigal was captured during the raid in Zapote, while López was apprehended by authorities in the canton of Moravia. Soto elaborated on the distinct roles each suspect allegedly played in the fatal incident.
We are carrying out the arrest of a 44-year-old male, who is considered the intellectual author of the act. It appears to be related to a drug sales issue. This person apparently may have sought out the material perpetrators, and a 22-year-old male, believed to be the alleged material perpetrator, was also arrested. At this moment, we are in the process of seizing various pieces of evidence that are important for the investigation.
Michael Soto, Acting Director of the OIJ
Following their arrests, both Madrigal and López were turned over to the Public Ministry, the governmental body responsible for public prosecution. Prosecutors will now evaluate the evidence collected by the OIJ to determine the formal charges and define the subsequent legal proceedings for both men. The OIJ has emphasized that the case remains an active and open investigation, suggesting that further details may emerge as they continue to analyze the seized evidence and pursue all available leads.
The arrests provide a measure of progress in a case that highlights the devastating collateral damage of organized crime and drug-related violence. The senseless death of an elderly man in his own home underscores the indiscriminate nature of such attacks and the profound impact they have on community safety and public trust. The OIJ’s successful operation to identify and detain the alleged perpetrators is a critical step toward securing justice for the victim and his family.
For further information, visit oij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial, or Judicial Investigation Agency, is Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement body responsible for investigating complex and serious crimes. Operating as an auxiliary entity of the Public Ministry and the Judicial Branch, the OIJ handles homicides, kidnappings, organized crime, and other major felonies. Its mission is to conduct scientific and technical investigations to uncover the truth and provide the necessary evidence for criminal prosecution.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the twin pillars of professional excellence and unwavering ethical principles. The firm leverages a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and solutions. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to democratizing legal information, thereby cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society.
