A 60-year-old American citizen identified by the last name Moriondo may soon face an additional charge for the death of his unborn child, the victim’s family attorney said.

Currently, Moriondo is jailed in the Jorge Arturo Montero Castro Prison (known as La Reforma jail) in the canton of San Rafael, Alajuela province,   while awaiting trial for the alleged femicide of his wife, 20-year-old Costa Rican national Tamara Centeno-Murillo.

Attorney Juan Miguel Villalobos told reporters that forensic DNA tests confirmed Moriondo was the father of Centeno’s baby. She was four months pregnant when she was killed in January, he said.

The new development comes just days before Moriondo’s long preventive detention order is set to expire on Sept. 25.

“The family’s main concern is that on September 25, the pretrial detention period for the main suspect in Tamara’s murder will end,” Villalobos told Noticias Repretel. “And their concern is understandable, because he has no ties to Costa Rica (no work, no family, no social connections), so the risk he could flee the country is imminent.”

Villalobos said the family trusts the Criminal Court of San Ramón canton, in Alajuela province, to extend Moriondo’s detention until prosecutors file formal charges. He added that Centeno’s relatives are preparing both a criminal complaint and a civil action.

“On behalf of Tamara’s family, we are waiting for the prosecutor’s office to present the indictment on time, since there is overwhelming evidence in this case,” he said. “We are confident the process will result in a conviction.”

Centeno was about four months pregnant at the time of her death. Forensic results not only confirmed paternity but also introduced an aggravating factor under Costa Rican law. The death of a developing fetus can elevate charges to double homicide.

In Costa Rica, femicide is punishable by up to 35 years in prison.

Police arrested him shortly afterward on suspicion of murder. Hours later, investigators with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), aided by canine units, discovered Centeno’s body dumped in a wooded area near the La Granja community in Palmares canton, Alajuela province.

OIJ has released a few details about the ongoing case, and only family members are authorized to request updates.

Authorities are urging the public to report suspected cases of violence against women by calling Costa Rica’s confidential hotlines: ten-digit line 800-8000-645 or fast line 1176. English- and Spanish-speaking agents are available.

As Costa Rica’s criminal investigative agency under the Supreme Court of Justice, the OIJ holds nationwide police authority and conducts criminal investigations throughout the country.

According to the U.S. Embassy website, American citizens arrested abroad are entitled to consular assistance. After being notified by Costa Rican authorities, a consular officer visits the detainee to check on their well-being, review the conditions of the arrest, and provide information about legal procedures, including a list of attorneys.

If requested, consular officials can also notify family or friends, facilitate the transfer of funds for legal or living expenses, and act as liaisons with relatives.

“However, consular officers cannot act as attorneys, provide legal representation, or influence the release of arrested American citizens,” the Embassy stated.

For lengthy prison terms, consular officers are required to visit U.S. detainees at least once every three to four months.