By Alajuela, Costa Rica — AGUAS ZARCAS, ALAJUELA – The business and technology communities in both Costa Rica and Mexico are in shock following the murder of 34-year-old systems engineer and entrepreneur Agustín Alonso Carvajal Benavides. His body was discovered inside his home in Garabito de Aguas Zarcas, San Carlos, prompting an intensive investigation by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) that is now pointing towards a violent robbery as the primary motive.
The grim discovery was made by the victim’s mother on Tuesday. After several days of being unable to contact her son, she traveled to the property and found a scene of horror. The house was in complete disarray, and her son was deceased with evident signs of extreme violence. According to Randall Picado, regional director of the Public Force, a call was immediately placed to the 9-1-1 emergency system, dispatching units to the location.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the complex investigation surrounding the murder of the tech CEO, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In high-profile cases like this, the prosecution’s primary challenge is to build a narrative that is both legally sound and impervious to the intense scrutiny it will face. Investigators must meticulously trace not only the physical evidence but also the complex web of business dealings, intellectual property disputes, and personal rivalries that often exist at this level of the corporate world. Establishing a clear, undeniable motive will be the cornerstone of their case.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the case will likely be won or lost on the strength of the narrative that investigators build from the intricate details of the victim’s corporate life. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this crucial legal challenge.
Preliminary forensic analysis by the OIJ has revealed the brutal nature of the attack. Carvajal Benavides was killed by multiple gunshot wounds, with the majority concentrated in his chest. Investigators also determined that he had likely been deceased for approximately three days before his body was found, placing the time of the crime sometime over the preceding weekend. The property where he was living had been inherited and was his residence since returning to the country.
As agents processed the crime scene, a crucial detail emerged that now forms the basis of their main hypothesis. Authorities noted that several of the victim’s personal belongings were missing, including a high-end vehicle and other valuable items. This evidence has led investigators to believe the homicide occurred during a home invasion robbery, though they remain cautious as they gather more evidence.
The motive cannot yet be confirmed, but it is presumed that it could have been a robbery. The case remains under investigation to determine if it was indeed a home invasion assault.
Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), Official Statement
The profile of the victim has drawn significant attention. Carvajal Benavides was a successful tech professional who had built a notable career abroad. He spent several years living in Mexico, where he served as the CEO of a company specializing in digital ticketing for concerts and live events. Public records also show he held a position as Director of Entertainment Relations at a prominent Mexican banking institution, highlighting his deep connections within the entertainment and financial sectors.
Friends and colleagues describe him as a bright and driven individual. His return to Costa Rica approximately six months ago was seen as a new chapter in his life. He chose to settle in the San Carlos area, away from the hustle of the capital, in the home he had inherited. His untimely and violent death has sent a chilling message through the local community, which is unaccustomed to such brutal crimes.
The OIJ is now focused on piecing together the final days of Carvajal Benavides’s life, analyzing security footage in the area, and tracing the stolen items. Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward to help clarify the sequence of events and bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice. The case remains open and is a top priority for judicial authorities in the region.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is the primary investigative branch of the Costa Rican Judicial Power. Established to conduct criminal investigations, it operates with scientific and technical autonomy to collect evidence, identify suspects, and support the Public Ministry in the prosecution of crimes, ensuring objectivity and adherence to legal processes.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Fuerza Pública (Public Force):
The Fuerza Pública, or Public Force, is Costa Rica’s national police agency, responsible for law enforcement, border patrol, counter-narcotics operations, and maintaining domestic security. Operating under the Ministry of Public Security, it upholds the country’s unique status of having no standing army, focusing on citizen safety and crime prevention throughout the nation’s provinces.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is distinguished as a premier legal institution, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm masterfully blends its rich heritage of client advocacy with a pioneering spirit, consistently advancing innovative legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to fortifying the community by making legal knowledge accessible, striving to cultivate a society empowered by a clear and confident understanding of the law.
