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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Photo via Red Cross.
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Updated on
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Published on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
A
U.S. citizen, identified as Brooks
(69), was fatally attacked Tuesday at his
home after allegedly intervening to
protect his maid from an intruder.
According
to a report from the Red Cross Accidents
Monitor Department, a 911 call was
received at 6:30 a.m. reporting a
stabbing incident at a residence in the
Barrio Jesús community in
Atenas District, Alajuela Province.
When
paramedics arrived at the scene around
6:45 a.m., they found Brooks
unresponsive, in cardiac arrest, and not
breathing. He was pronounced dead on
arrival (DOA), indicating he had passed
away before medical personnel could
assist.
Preliminary
reports indicate that allegedly the maid's
boyfriend, a man surnamed Artavia-Artavia
(26), entered Brooks'
property and became involved in an
altercation with her.
Artavia
reportedly began attacking the maid,
prompting Brooks to intervene.
During the altercation, the Artavia
allegedly stabbed Brooks.
Red
Cross paramedics coordinated with local
police and the Judicial Investigation
Organization (OIJ) to address the
incident.
Later that day, police apprehended Artavia, who was taken to the Public Ministry in Alajuela. He remains in custody while awaiting a judge’s decision on pre-trial measures related to the murder charge.
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In a brief statement, OIJ officials confirmed the victim’s body was transported to the Judicial Morgue in Heredia for a forensic examination. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have maintained confidentiality regarding the case. Only the victim’s family members are authorized to request further details. The name of the maid was not released by authorities. The U.S. Embassy provides guidance and support to families of U.S. citizens who die abroad, depending on whether the deceased was accompanied by family and whether they were 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’s website states. "The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, serving as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes." The Embassy noted it does not fund funeral, repatriation, or burial expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, families are not required to travel to Costa Rica to manage arrangements. Embassy representatives can act on their behalf to coordinate with local authorities and service providers. For further information, individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000. The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, conducts criminal investigations. Officers in this operational unit have nationwide police authority.
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