Suspect to stand trial for the second time for murder of schoolgirl

February 14^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) A man identified by the last name of Murillo will go to trial a second time as the main suspect in the murder of a 14 year old girl.

 

The crime for which he is accused was discovered on March 28^th, 2009, when the body of the child was found in a mountainous area, two kilometers from La Palma in Puerto Jimenez de Osa, Puntarenas.

 

At that time, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) determined that the teen was strangled and had suffered abuse.

 

In addition, two witnesses said they had seen the girl that day with Murillo, and OIJ found during their investigation that the man and girl had a close friendship.

 

However, authorities were not clear about the motive behind the murder.

 

On June 1^st, 2011, a trial court ruled to acquit Murillo, stating there was doubt as to his involvement in the crime.

 

However, the Third Chamber overturned that ruling after hearing an appeal brought by the Attorney General, and ordered that the man face a new trial.

 

The new trial was scheduled to begin yesterday in Osa.

 

 

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