British backpacker sentenced to 25 years for murder of Czech volunteer in Costa Rica

September 10^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) Alfred Saunders, a 21-year-old British citizen from London, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Criminal Court of San Carlos after pleading guilty to the brutal murder of Czech volunteer and tourist, Alexandra Drbohlavova, 22, while she slept in her tent at an eco-farm in Colonia La Libertad, in Aguas Claras de Upala.  Saunders stabbed the woman 15 times in her face, neck, and chest.  The killing took place on December 28^th, 2011.

Family members of the farm owner where the murder took place were able to overpower Saunders after the murder, tie him up, and deliver him to local police.

It later emerged that Saunders, the son of wealthy academics, was allowed to enter Costa Rica the day before the murder despite an Interpol alert describing him as a dangerous individual with a violent background.

The Interpol alert had linked him to a string of offences including sex crimes, possession of explosives and a fatal assault.  The alert also warned that Saunders was likely “to commit offences with minors,” and suffered from mental illness.

Saunders must serve at least half of his sentence in Costa Rica before he can request a transfer to his home country to serve the remainder of his sentence.  He has never revealed his motive for the murder, though it was speculated that the woman may have rejected a sexual advance by Saunders.