Costa Rica reaches 600 homicides in 2026

Costa Rica has reached a milestone of 600 homicides in 2026, following a triple murder in Río Cuarto, Alajuela, and another killing in Limón. According to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), San José leads with 165 deaths, followed by Limón with 150 and Puntarenas with 94. Despite this figure, the total number of homicides is down by 39 compared to the same period in 2025.

Firearms were used in 474 of the recorded killings this year. Authorities also noted that 48 victims were collateral casualties.

In separate criminal investigations, the OIJ is seeking public assistance to identify a black Mitsubishi L200 pick-up with tinted windows and silver rims, specifically noting a broken rear right window vent. The vehicle is linked to the February death of a man named Quirós in the Pérez Zeledón and Quepos areas. Additionally, investigators are searching for a suspect involved in a June shooting of a municipal police officer in Desamparados.