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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Photo via Ministry of Public Security.
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Published on
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Authorities
first identified the victim as a
60-year-old man with the last name Brocks
in preliminary reports issued by the
Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ)
on the day of the murder.
However, on Tuesday, the Prosecutor’s Office rectified the victim's identity as a 69-year-old male surnamed Brooks.
Early
that morning, Artavia allegedly arrived at
Brooks'
residence and became involved in an
altercation with the housemaid.
Authorities say the suspect attacked the
maid, prompting Brooks to intervene.
During the struggle, Artavia allegedly
stabbed and beat Brooks multiple times,
killing him.
A
report from the Costa Rican Red Cross
states that a 911 call was received at
6:30 a.m. reporting a
stabbing. When paramedics arrived at the
scene at 6:45 a.m., they found Brooks
unresponsive, in cardiac arrest, and not
breathing. He was pronounced dead on
arrival.
Red
Cross paramedics coordinated with local
police and the OIJ, and Brooks’
body was transferred to the
Judicial Morgue in
Heredia for forensic examination.
Police officers arrested Artavia later that day. He will stay in prison for one year while prosecutors continue their investigation.
The
OIJ is urging the public to report any
suspected cases of domestic violence. Tips
can be submitted confidentially by calling
the 24-hour hotline at 800-8000-645, the
fast line at 11-76, or the emergency line
at 9-1-1 where bilingual agents are
available in English and Spanish.
According
to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica,
consular officers can assist families of
deceased U.S. citizens based on whether
the individual was a resident or a visitor
in the country.
"The
Consular Section can provide information
on funeral homes that arrange local
burials or prepare remains for shipment to
the United States," the
embassy states on its website. "The
Consular Section will also issue a
Consular Report of Death Abroad, which
serves as a death certificate in the
United States for probate and other legal
purposes."
However,
the embassy does not provide financial
assistance for funeral, repatriation, or
burial expenses.
Families
do not necessarily have to travel to Costa
Rica to make arrangements. "U.S.
Embassy representatives can act on behalf
of the family in working with local
authorities and service providers in many
cases," officials
said.
For
more information,
individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy
in Costa Rica at 506-2519-2590 or
506-2519-2093. For
after-hours or weekend emergencies, the
embassy can be reached at
(506) 2519-2000.
The
OIJ, a division of Costa Rica’s
Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible
for conducting criminal investigations.
Officers within this unit have nationwide
police authority.
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