Liberia authorities hunt suspect in double homicide of mother and daughter

Authorities in Liberia, Costa Rica, are searching for Rafael Antonio Valdez García, a Nicaraguan national suspected of murdering his former partner, Jasmina López Vargas, 47, and their 9-year-old daughter, Valeska Valdez López.

The victims were found on Saturday, October 17, in a residence in the Linda Vista neighborhood of Guanacaste province. According to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), the victims are believed to have been attacked with a sharp weapon while sleeping in their respective rooms. The crime is estimated to have occurred around midnight.

Reports indicate that Valdez García may have confessed to a neighbor via telephone after fleeing the scene, stating he was far from the house and had already attempted to contact authorities. Neighbors noted that the household had experienced recurring episodes of violence for several years. Authorities are currently conducting investigations to locate the suspect, who may have fled to Nicaragua.