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Photo via Judicial Investigation Organization.

U.S. citizen arrested as suspect in wife's murder case in Costa Rica



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Published on Friday, January 24, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff





A male U.S. citizen surnamed Moriondo, 60, was arrested Thursday at his home in San Ramón Canton, Alajuela Province, as a suspect in the disappearance and murder of his wife, a 20-year-old Costa Rican woman surnamed Centeno-Murillo. 



On Friday, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) reported that Centeno's body had been discovered inside a plastic bag. The remains were allegedly dumped in a wooded area near the La Granja community in Palmares Canton, Alajuela Province. 



Centeno was reported missing by the OIJ on Thursday, Jan. 23, after her family lost communication with her on Wednesday, Jan. 22. 



According to investigators, Centeno's family became concerned after failing to reach her and visited the home she shared with Moriondo in the Santiago District of San Ramón Canton on Thursday.



Moriondo was reportedly alone at the house and claimed to not know his wife's whereabouts. 



Alarmed by the situation, Centeno's family contacted the police, prompting the OIJ to open a missing person case.



Moriondo was arrested later that day as a suspect in her disappearance. 



After an extensive search, aided by canine units, Centeno's body was found on Friday, just hours before the 24-hour legal detention limit for the suspect expired. 








Randall Zúńiga López, Director of the OIJ, confirmed shortly before 5 p.m. on Friday that Centeno's body had been located and that the investigation had been elevated to a possible femicide case. 


Moriondo was transferred to the Public Ministry holding cells on Friday, where he awaited a judge's ruling on pretrial measures regarding the femicide charges. 


The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have maintained confidentiality regarding the case. Only the victim’s family members are authorized to request further details. 


According to the U.S. Embassy website, a consular officer visits an arrested U.S. citizen after being notified by Costa Rican authorities to ensure the individual’s physical well-being and review the conditions of the arrest.


The officer also provides information on legal procedures, including a list of attorneys, and, if requested, notifies family or friends. 


"However, consular officers can't act as attorneys or legal representatives nor affect the release of arrested American citizens," the Embassy stated. 


Costa Rican authorities are required to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately when a U.S. citizen is arrested unless the individual specifically requests otherwise. A consular officer must be informed of the arrest under these circumstances. 


"In limited circumstances, consular officers can also serve as liaisons between you and your family and provide you with a list of local attorneys," the Embassy added. 


Additionally, Embassy officers can assist with transferring funds from family or friends to pay for attorneys’ fees or to cover the suspect’s living expenses while incarcerated. 


"If you are imprisoned for a lengthy period, a consular officer will visit you periodically, at least once every three to four months," they noted. 


 

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What have you heard about expats accused of murder in Costa Rica?   We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com



  


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