In a chilling incident that shook the quiet streets of Jacó, Costa Rica, three individuals tragically lost their lives in a ruthless shooting, while two others were grievously injured. This horrifying event occurred in the bustling center of Jacó, Garabito Canton, when heavily armed assailants ambushed five people in a calculated act of violence.
Deadly Assault in Downtown Jacó
The Sudden Onslaught
At approximately 7 p.m. on a seemingly ordinary evening, two vehicles pulled up near the Milagros eatery in downtown Jacó. Without warning, several armed individuals emerged and unleashed a barrage of gunfire on five unsuspecting victims.
A Diverse Arsenal
According to police sources who spoke to La Nación, the crime scene was littered with a variety of bullet casings, indicating the use of 9mm pistols, 12mm shotguns, and 7.62mm rifles, typically employed in military firearms. Additionally, the stock of an AR-15 military rifle was discovered at the site.
A Rushed Response
Ányelo Hernández Núñez, the Security Coordinator for the Garabito Municipality, detailed that the municipal police were alerted by the Jacó Clinic at 7:15 p.m. about two individuals wounded by gunfire. These two were reportedly pursued by the assailants with the intent to eliminate them. However, upon arrival at the clinic, no suspects or suspicious vehicles were found.
The Victims and the Aftermath
Escaping Death’s Door
The two injured parties were swiftly transported under police escort to the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital in Puntarenas. “This is to prevent ambulances from being intercepted, as it appears the hitmen were after one of the injured individuals being transported alive to the hospital,” Hernández remarked. Meanwhile, Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) agents were at work processing the tragic scene and the deceased.
The Suspected Vehicle
Reports suggest one of the vehicles involved in the multiple homicides was a dark-colored Mitsubishi Montero Sport, prompting security forces to scrutinize similar vehicles closely.
The Colombian Connection
Hernández revealed that all five individuals caught in the gunfire were of Colombian nationality, adding a layer of complexity to the incident.
A Troubling Trend in Puntarenas
Rising Homicide Rates
Puntarenas province has been grappling with a surge in violent crimes, with the OIJ reporting a total of 121 deliberate homicides by early November 2023. This figure includes the victims of this recent atrocity in Jacó, alongside other victims like Rober Dondy Arias, killed earlier in a vacant lot, and a motorcycle delivery man murdered in Barranca.
The Motive: A Deadly Dispute
Preliminary police estimates suggest these brutal killings are linked to territorial disputes and score-settling within drug trafficking circles. These vicious acts continue to contribute to one of the bloodiest years in Costa Rica’s history.
The Broader Impact
The province of Puntarenas now ranks as the third highest in homicides for the year, trailing only behind Limón and San José. The primary motives for these killings appear to be revenge and score-settling, highlighting a disturbing trend in the region.
The tragic events in Jacó serve as a grim reminder of the escalating violence and criminal activity plaguing parts of Costa Rica. The loss of life and the impact on the community are profound, calling for heightened vigilance and a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies.
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