No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaMichigan fugitive John Saatio to be extradited Saturday

Michigan fugitive John Saatio to be extradited Saturday

After escaping from authorities on two separate occasions, U.S. fugitive John Wesley Saatio won’t have a third chance to run free in Costa Rica.

Costa Rican Security Minister Gustavo Mata announced that Saatio will be extradited Saturday when authorities will put him on a commercial flight out of Juan Santamaría International Airport accompanied by U.S. Marshals.

Saatio was recaptured Tuesday in Desamparados, south of San José, after escaping through a ventilation duct in the immigration detention center in Hatillo where he had been held since June 3.

The 35-year-old fugitive from Michigan was initially aprehended by police in the popular Central Pacific beach town of Jacó earlier this month on an order from Interpol. Saatio faces a lengthy prison sentence in the U.S. for charges of home invasion, destruction of police property, and violating probation.

He escaped last year while police were transporting him to jail after his arraignment in Houghton, Michigan.

Trending Now

Starbucks Adds Protein Cold Foam Drinks Across Costa Rica

Starbucks is adding a new line of protein-infused cold beverages to its menu in Costa Rica, bringing the chain’s latest regional drink platform to...

Roland Garros Final Set as Zverev and Cobolli Chase First Slam Title

Alexander Zverev moved within one win of his first Grand Slam title on Friday, beating 20-year-old Czech Jakub Menšík 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in...

Costa Rica Faces England in Orlando in Major Test Before World Cup Begins

Costa Rica faces England on Wednesday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in one of La Sele’s most high-profile friendly matches in years....

Five Leading Contenders to Win the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has opened across North America, bringing the biggest field in tournament history and one of the deepest title races...

Pacific Tropical Depression Keeps Costa Rica on Rain Alert

A low-pressure system off Central America’s Pacific coast became Tropical Depression Three-E this morning as Costa Rica continued to deal with heavy rain, saturated...

El Salvador Tourism Boom Puts Visitor Goal Ahead of Schedule

El Salvador’s tourism growth is moving faster than the country’s own official targets. After years of being seen internationally through the lens of violence...

New Seismic Station on Isla del Coco Improves Costa Rica Earthquake Monitoring

Costa Rica has added Isla del Coco to its national seismic monitoring network for the first time, giving scientists a new permanent observation point...

Documentary Highlights Costa Rica’s Howler Monkey Crisis

There is a sound that defines the Costa Rican jungle before dawn: a deep, resonant roar that can carry for five kilometers through the...

Cuba’s Tourism Industry Is Collapsing in Real Time

Cuba’s tourism industry is facing one of its sharpest collapses in decades, with visitor numbers plunging, major hotel brands pulling back, airlines cutting service...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel