No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveOIJ agent slain outside home

OIJ agent slain outside home

A 32-year-old agent of the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) was slain Friday at his home in Alajuelita, a neighborhood in southern San José.

Allan Sánchez, who worked with the OIJ for nearly seven years, was killed in front of his home on Calle Cochea around 12 p.m. According to OIJ Director Jorge Rojas, Sánchez returned home from the gym and was met by at least two men. He was shot once. After being wounded, Sánchez walked 30 meters before collapsing in front of a neighbor’s home.  

Three suspects were detained Friday afternoon on suspicion of involvement in the murder. Rojas said two men and one woman were arrested, though he did not provide the names of the suspects during an afternoon press conference.

Sánchez spent five years with the Visual Inspections and Evidence Recollection Section and nearly two years with the Special Service Tactic Response while with the OIJ. He had been on a leave of absence from the OIJ and was off duty Friday. He was unarmed at the time of his death and Rojas said there was no evidence of a robbery or forced entrance into his home.

Sánchez had a 13-year old son and was in the process of a divorce from his wife. Rojas said the investigation was still too premature to determine a motive for the killing.

Trending Now

Legislator faces harassment complaint from adviser in his own office

A complaint against a governing party legislator is under review for alleged predatory harassment. Whether it reaches a court is now the Assembly's call.

Costa Rica Braces for Higher Fuel Prices as Oil Climbs Back Above $100

Global oil prices climbed back above $100 a barrel this week, and the increase is on course to reach Costa Rica's gas stations within...

Costa Rica under green alert as Tropical Wave 40 arrives

If you have plans in the mountains, on the Caribbean coast or along the Pacific this weekend, build in some flexibility. Rain is coming,...

Costa Rica Independence Day 2026 Brings a Tuesday Holiday and Rain

Plan for rain, road closures and holiday pay rules as Costa Rica marks 205 years of independence on Tuesday, September 15.

Costa Rican Geologists Call for Referendum on Crucitas Gold Mining

Costa Rica’s professional association of geologists is calling for a referendum on the future of gold mining in Crucitas, arguing that lawmakers have failed...

Buying Property in Costa Rica – What Foreign Buyers Need to Know

Foreigners can own land in Costa Rica on the same terms as citizens, with one significant exception, and the country has spent two decades...

Costa Rica Dollar Exchange Rate Falls to Another Record Low

The U.S. dollar has fallen to its lowest level on record against Costa Rica’s colón, extending a decline that is increasing the purchasing power...

Lawmakers Question Cuts to Quake and Volcano Monitoring Hours Before Uvita Tremor

Legislators on the Legislative Assembly's budget committee are challenging a reduction in 2027 funding for the scientific networks that monitor earthquakes, volcanoes and weather...

Costa Rica Ordered to Fix Safety Problems on Route 32

Costa Rica’s Comptroller General has ordered highway authorities to address safety problems on Route 32 after finding that seven roundabouts on the key Caribbean...
Avatar
🌴 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