Costa Rica: U.S. national killed in Buenos Aires Canton, Puntarenas Province, Oct. 17

Event

Law enforcement officials are investigating the killings of a U.S. citizen and five Costa Rican farmworkers at a remote ranch in Puntarenas Province; the American was the owner of the property, which is located in Llano Bonito, Buenos Aires Canton. The victims' bodies were discovered early Oct. 18 when their family members arrived at the ranch. Authorities believe the killings took place during a robbery attempt late Oct. 17; police have released no immediate statement concerning potential suspects. No arrests have as yet been made.

Context

The killing of foreign nationals is uncommon in Costa Rica, where overall crime is lower in the country than in most of Latin America. This particular incident thus far constitutes the crime with the highest number of victims in Costa Rica for 2021.