Suspect in La Cruz triple murder believed to have fled to Nicaragua; robbery suspected as motive

March 31^st, 2015 (InsideCostaRica.com) The suspect in a gruesome triple murder that occurred over the weekend in La Cruz, Guanacaste, is believed to have fled to Nicaragua, according to authorities.

Local authorities report that the suspect, identified only by his nickname “Loco,” was seen crossing the border in a remote area used by illegal immigrants to enter and leave the country.  Local authorities said the man was seen with the suspected murder weapon, a machete, still in hand.

The suspect and victims are all Nicaraguan nationals, according to authorities.  All were believed to be agricultural workers at an area orange plantation.

Reports indicate that the three victims, as well as the suspect, were all en route on foot to Nicaragua through a remote, unguarded area.  The three victims told an acquaintance that they were going to Nicaragua to make a few purchases, and were carrying about ¢200,000 between them, according to La Nacion.

Authorities believe robbery was the motive in the triple murder.

The victims have been identified as Arcides Arroligia Zúñiga, 70; Fidel Maldonado Aguilar, 25; and a third man known only as “Victor,” believed to be 27 years old.

The director of the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), Francisco Segura, said yesterday that he asking for cooperation from the Nicaraguan National Police in apprehending the suspect.