Costa Rican chief prosecutor: Investigators have identified two suspects in slaying of conservationist Jairo Mora

Costa Rica’s chief prosecutor, Jorge Chavarría, said on Wednesday that the investigation of the slaying of 26-year-old turtle conservationist Jairo Mora on May 31 on the Caribbean’s Moín Beach, will advance significantly next week.

A spokeswoman for Chavarría’s office confirmed that investigators have identified two suspects in the case, but would not offer specifics at this time.

Chavarría first made the announcement on TV’s Channel 7 Wednesday afternoon. He said the motives for the murder are unclear, but might not be linked to drug trafficking.

Mora’s body was found on May 31, beaten and asphyxiated in the sand. Witnesses reported masked and armed men kidnapped them, later taking Mora away shortly before his body was found.

The slaying sparked international outrage and demands for quick arrests. Environmental groups collected nearly $60,000 in reward money for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.