A 27-year-old man identified by the last name Artavia-Artavia was sentenced Tuesday to 16 years in prison for the killing of a 69-year-old U.S. citizen, identified as Brooks, in January 2025, authorities said.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office said Brooks had lived in Costa Rica for several years as a retired resident.

The sentence was handed down by the Criminal Court of Alajuela through an abbreviated procedure, after Artavia accepted the charges. His admission allowed judges to determine both his criminal and civil responsibility in the case.

Prosecutors said the killing occurred Jan. 21, 2025, at around 6 a.m., when Artavia arrived at Brooks’ home in the canton of Atenas, in Alajuela province.

Authorities said Artavia entered the property located in the Barrio Jesús community in Atenas canton, Alajuela province, without authorization and began arguing with his girlfriend, who worked as a maid at the residence.

Investigators reported that Artavia was assaulting the woman, prompting Brooks to intervene and ask him to leave the property.

During the confrontation, Artavia attacked Brooks, inflicting severe head injuries that led to the American’s death.

The Costa Rican Red Cross said a 911 call reporting the incident was received at 6:30 a.m. Paramedics arrived at the scene around 6:45 a.m. and found Brooks unresponsive, in cardiac arrest and not breathing. He was pronounced dead at the scene, indicating he had died before emergency responders could assist.

Artavia fled but was arrested by police a few hours later. He has remained in custody since his arrest as a pretrial measure.

The U.S. Embassy said it provides guidance and support to families of U.S. citizens who die abroad, depending on the circumstances, including whether the person was visiting or residing in Costa Rica.

“The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States,” the embassy said on its website. “The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, which serves as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes.”

The embassy noted that it does not cover funeral, repatriation or burial expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica, as embassy staff can help coordinate arrangements with local authorities and service providers.

For more information, the embassy can be reached at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

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