Investigation Leads to Arrests
Costa Rican authorities have announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with the brutal murder of a European couple whose bodies were found buried on their property in Quepos, Puntarenas. The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, following an intensive investigation into the double homicide. The victims have been identified as a 60-year-old German man and a 57-year-old Austrian woman, whose surnames are Daxer and Schickhaus.
Discovery of the Victims and Crime Details
The couple was reported missing on Monday, September 23, 2025. Their bodies were subsequently discovered buried on their finca near Finca Cerros in Quepos on Tuesday, September 24, 2025. OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga stated that the initial evidence strongly suggests robbery as the motive for the killings. Investigators believe the murders occurred between the night of September 19 and the morning of September 20, 2025.
Autopsy results revealed that the Austrian woman sustained three gunshot wounds, while the German man suffered one gunshot wound. Authorities also reported that the victims' hands were bound, and traces of blood were found inside their home, with indications that the kitchen had been cleaned to remove evidence. The bodies were found interred in plastic bags on their own property.
Suspects Identified and Key Evidence
The arrested suspects have been identified as Elizondo-Mesén, Sanabria-Alvarado, and Elizondo's wife, Rubio-Ordóñez. Elizondo-Mesén is 31 years old, and Rubio-Ordóñez, a Colombian national, is 33 years old. According to the OIJ, Elizondo and Rubio were involved in the real estate business and had recently been in contact with the couple, who were in the process of selling their property.
A crucial piece of evidence that aided the investigation was a fragment from an Audi vehicle belonging to Elizondo. Investigators determined that two days after the murders, on September 22, Elizondo crashed his Audi near the victims' property entrance while Sanabria was driving the couple's stolen car. The fragment left at the scene allowed authorities to link Elizondo to the crime. The stolen vehicle was later located near Elizondo's condominium. Furthermore, it is alleged that the suspects hired a backhoe to bury the bodies.
Impact on Costa Rica's Image
The tragic incident has raised concerns regarding Costa Rica's international reputation as a safe destination for foreign residents and tourists. Director Zúñiga acknowledged the profound impact such violent crimes have, stating that they 'discourage anyone else from wanting to come to the country or, unfortunately, make them think twice.' The OIJ has affirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and maintaining public trust.
5 Comments
Leonardo
The details of the crime are truly disturbing, and it's positive to see the authorities cracking down. However, the fact that people involved in real estate are implicated raises serious questions about trust and vulnerability for expats.
Raphael
It's good that the OIJ acted quickly to apprehend suspects, but this heinous crime will undoubtedly make many reconsider visiting or living in Costa Rica. The image of safety has taken a significant hit.
Donatello
Such brutality is unacceptable. Tourists beware!
Stan Marsh
So relieved they caught the perpetrators. Hope they face full justice.
paracelsus
This is a terrible tragedy for the couple and their families, and the police response was effective. Yet, one can't help but wonder about the root causes of such violent crime and if enough is being done to prevent it.