Homicide rate in Costa Rica drops for first time in 6 years

The homicide rate fell for the first time in six years.

Statistics released by the Judicial Branch on Thursday morning showed the number of murders fell from 527 in 2010 to 474 in 2011. The judiciary said it’s the first time homicides have fallen since 2004, when 280 deaths occurred.

The most victims were in the province of San José (171), followed by Limón (111). The other provinces each had less than 100 murder victims. The highest rate is in the Caribbean province of Limón, where there were 24.6 victims per 100,000 residents.

Victims who died during a robbery or assault fell to 99. The number of hired assassinations fell from 40 cases in 2010 to 17 last year.