Authorities investigate separate homicides in Costa Rica and Venezuela

Authorities in Costa Rica and Venezuela are investigating two separate fatal attacks.

In Siquirres, Costa Rica, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is investigating the homicide of a 40-year-old woman identified by the surname Luna. The attack occurred around 11:10 p.m. in a structure near banana plantations. At least two assailants emerged from the plantations and opened fire with .40 and 9mm caliber weapons. The victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds to her back and legs. A 20-year-old man, identified as García, was also wounded in the leg and glute during the incident; he is currently in stable condition at the Hospital Tony Facio in Limón.

In Mérida, Venezuela, the Cuerpo de Investigaciones Científicas, Penales y Criminalísticas (CICPC) arrested a suspect in the murder of 46-year-old Dayana Lorena Duarte Bayona. Investigators report that the victim had a dispute with Edwin José Gregorio Calderón Peñaranda, 39, over a two-dollar debt. While the victim was sleeping, the suspect allegedly attacked her with a screwdriver, causing fatal puncture wounds. Authorities recovered the weapon and a knife, and the suspect has been placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry.