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Photo via Ministry of Public Security.


Costa Rica's court orders pretrial prison for U.S. citizen’s murder suspect



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Published on Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff





The Criminal Court of Atenas Canton in Alajuela Province has ordered one year of pretrial imprisonment for a man identified by the last name Artavia-Artavia (26), who is the primary suspect in the murder of U.S. citizen identified by the last name Brooks (69), the Prosecutor’s Office announced.



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.



The incident occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at
Brooks' home in the Barrio Jesús neighborhood of Atenas, Alajuela.



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 case remains under investigation, and authorities have kept details confidential. Only the
victim’s family members are authorized to request further information.



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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What have you heard about U.S. citizens encountering tragic incidents in Costa Rica?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com



  


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