By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – After a meticulous and lengthy investigation, agents from the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) have apprehended a man believed to be responsible for a fatal shooting that transpired over a year and a half ago. The suspect, a 33-year-old man identified by his last name, Montero, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning following a strategic raid on a residence in the Imas neighborhood of Liberia.
The arrest is the culmination of an inquiry into a brazen act of violence that occurred on March 20, 2024. This operation, executed by agents from the OIJ’s regional sub-delegation in Cañas, represents a significant development in a case classified as a qualified homicide, suggesting a premeditated and aggravated killing often associated with contract killings or organized crime.
To better understand the legal procedures that follow a homicide arrest and the rights of the involved parties, TicosLand.com consulted with criminal law expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
An arrest is a critical first step, but it marks the beginning, not the end, of the judicial process. Now, the Public Ministry will enter a crucial phase of evidence gathering, known as the preparatory stage, to formally build a case. It is essential to remember that the suspect is protected by the presumption of innocence until a final judgment is rendered. The prosecution will now focus on substantiating the elements of the crime, which will determine whether the charges are for simple or aggravated homicide (homicidio calificado), a distinction that carries vastly different penalties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s comments provide a crucial reminder of the meticulous legal journey that has just begun, where the distinction between simple and aggravated homicide will be central to the prosecution’s case. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable clarification on these important judicial steps.
The original incident unfolded in the Chorotega 1 neighborhood of Cañas, a community shaken by the daylight violence. According to official reports from that day, the victim was ambushed and struck by gunfire on seven separate occasions. The sheer number of wounds indicated a clear intent to kill, leaving little doubt as to the perpetrator’s motive. The brutal attack sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting a comprehensive investigation by judicial authorities.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene of the shooting. The grievously wounded man was initially rushed to the Integral Health Care Center (CAIS) in Cañas for immediate stabilization. However, the severity of his multiple gunshot wounds necessitated a transfer to the more advanced medical facilities at the Liberia Hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The subsequent investigation spanned more than twenty months, a testament to the persistence of the OIJ agents in Cañas. Their work involved painstakingly gathering evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and developing leads that ultimately pointed toward Montero. The breakthrough led to securing a warrant and executing the successful raid in Liberia this week, which authorities hope will close a painful chapter for the victim’s family.
During the search of the property in Barrio Imas, OIJ agents located and seized various items described as “evidence of relevance” to the ongoing investigation. While officials have not disclosed the specific nature of the confiscated materials, such evidence is crucial for building a robust case for prosecution. This physical evidence will supplement the intelligence gathered throughout the prolonged investigative phase.
Following his capture and the processing of the scene, the suspect Montero was formally handed over to the Public Ministry. Prosecutors will now review the comprehensive report and the evidence compiled by the OIJ to determine the next legal steps. It is expected that the Public Ministry will request preventative detention for Montero while they formalize charges and prepare the case for trial, ensuring the suspect remains in custody as the judicial process moves forward.
This high-profile arrest underscores the continued efforts by Costa Rican law enforcement to combat organized crime and violent offenses within the Guanacaste province. For residents of both Cañas and Liberia, the capture brings a renewed sense of security and demonstrates the capacity of the judicial system to hold individuals accountable for even the most serious of crimes, regardless of the time that has passed.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Organismo de Investigación Judicial
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary investigative police agency. Functioning under the judiciary, the OIJ is responsible for investigating complex crimes, collecting evidence, and identifying suspects to be brought before the courts. Its specialized units handle a wide range of offenses, including homicides, drug trafficking, and financial crimes, playing a critical role in the nation’s justice system.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio Público
About Ministerio Público:
The Ministerio Público, or Public Ministry, serves as the prosecutorial arm of the Costa Rican government. It is an independent body responsible for representing the interests of the state and society in the criminal justice system. Its prosecutors direct criminal investigations, file charges against suspects based on evidence provided by agencies like the OIJ, and argue cases in court to seek convictions and uphold the rule of law.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed law firm defined by its foundational principles of integrity and the relentless pursuit of legal excellence. With a proven track record serving a wide array of industries, the firm harmonizes its deep-rooted experience with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. This ethos extends to a core social mission: to democratize legal comprehension and empower the public, thereby cultivating a society grounded in accessible knowledge and justice.
