Austrian man shoots girlfriend before turning gun on himself in Guanacaste

March 28^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) An Austrian citizen in Guanacaste shot his partner twice before turning the gun on himself Tuesday night, according to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).

The murder-suicide occurred in the couple’s home in Villa Margarita, 400 meters north of the main traffic lights in Liberia, Guanacaste, where the couple had lived for about five years.

The Judicial Police identified the man by the last name Ladstetter, 71, and his partner by the last name of Achio, 58.

Authorities describe the man as a pensioner who has been living in Costa Rica for about eight years.  His partner was the owner or manager of a popular pharmacy in downtown Liberia.

The incident took place at approximately 9pm on Tuesday, when a neighbor called authorities after hearing a loud argument followed by gunshots.

Upon arrival, authorities found the bodies of the couple lying in the living room of the house.

According to the OIJ, the woman was shot once in the chest and once in the shoulder, while the man was shot in the left of his chest.  A 45-caliber firearm was found near the body of the man.

The couple’s bodies were taken to the Judicial Morgue where an autopsy is planned.

According to the deputy district attorney in Liberia, Lilliana Zamora, the couple had no history of domestic violence with authorities.  They had been living together for about five years and have no children together.