Discovery of Human Remains in Palmares Raises Concerns Over Missing Woman
Human remains found in Palmares are believed to be those of Tamara Centeno, a 20-year-old who went missing last Thursday.
Authorities in Costa Rica have discovered human remains in the town of Palmares, believed to belong to Tamara Centeno, a 20-year-old woman reported missing last Thursday.
The remains were found by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) wrapped in black plastic bags near Calle La Granja, close to the cantonal boundary with San Ramón. According to OIJ director Randall Zúñiga, the remains are suspected to be those of Centeno, though further forensic analysis is pending.
Judicial sources indicated the presence of a body, and it has been transported to the San Joaquín de Flores Forensic Science Complex to ensure no evidence is compromised.
The case has gained public attention, amplified by a social media post by the OIJ director mentioning a detained suspect, identified as Centeno's 60-year-old husband, with the implication of a possible femicide.
This suspect was apprehended hours before the discovery was made.
Centeno's disappearance was officially reported to authorities on Friday morning by her family, who lost contact with her since Wednesday.
Her marriage to an American national, last name Moriondo, took place in October 2023. Her mother, Andrea Murillo, confirmed a recent vacation to Europe with her daughter and their return last Tuesday.
They were greeted at the airport by Moriondo, who subsequently took them to their respective residences.
This return marked the last contact Andrea had with her daughter.
During a conversation, Centeno reportedly revealed her pregnancy to Moriondo, being four months along.
Despite various attempts to reach her daughter via calls and messages, Andrea Murillo received no responses.
Murillo expressed to La Teja her belief that Moriondo may have harmed Tamara following a dispute between the couple.
Andrea Murillo used a mobile phone application to trace Centeno's phone to locations in Barranca de Puntarenas, Palmares, and San Ramón. The device was later found discarded in a garbage bin near a liquor store in El Empalme, along with other items, leading Murillo to search for her daughter.
Upon visiting the residence shared by her daughter and Moriondo, Andrea found Moriondo inside a red RAV4 vehicle, reportedly attempting self-harm through carbon monoxide inhalation.
According to Murillo, the car was parked in the garage with modifications suggesting an attempt to sustain harmful gas.
Emergency medical care was provided to Moriondo, who was later detained by law enforcement for further questioning.
According to public records, Centeno and Moriondo married on October 9, 2023, shortly after Centeno turned 18. The duration and nature of their relationship prior to marriage remain unclear.
The case continues to be under investigation as authorities await the results of forensic analysis.
The remains were found by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) wrapped in black plastic bags near Calle La Granja, close to the cantonal boundary with San Ramón. According to OIJ director Randall Zúñiga, the remains are suspected to be those of Centeno, though further forensic analysis is pending.
Judicial sources indicated the presence of a body, and it has been transported to the San Joaquín de Flores Forensic Science Complex to ensure no evidence is compromised.
The case has gained public attention, amplified by a social media post by the OIJ director mentioning a detained suspect, identified as Centeno's 60-year-old husband, with the implication of a possible femicide.
This suspect was apprehended hours before the discovery was made.
Centeno's disappearance was officially reported to authorities on Friday morning by her family, who lost contact with her since Wednesday.
Her marriage to an American national, last name Moriondo, took place in October 2023. Her mother, Andrea Murillo, confirmed a recent vacation to Europe with her daughter and their return last Tuesday.
They were greeted at the airport by Moriondo, who subsequently took them to their respective residences.
This return marked the last contact Andrea had with her daughter.
During a conversation, Centeno reportedly revealed her pregnancy to Moriondo, being four months along.
Despite various attempts to reach her daughter via calls and messages, Andrea Murillo received no responses.
Murillo expressed to La Teja her belief that Moriondo may have harmed Tamara following a dispute between the couple.
Andrea Murillo used a mobile phone application to trace Centeno's phone to locations in Barranca de Puntarenas, Palmares, and San Ramón. The device was later found discarded in a garbage bin near a liquor store in El Empalme, along with other items, leading Murillo to search for her daughter.
Upon visiting the residence shared by her daughter and Moriondo, Andrea found Moriondo inside a red RAV4 vehicle, reportedly attempting self-harm through carbon monoxide inhalation.
According to Murillo, the car was parked in the garage with modifications suggesting an attempt to sustain harmful gas.
Emergency medical care was provided to Moriondo, who was later detained by law enforcement for further questioning.
According to public records, Centeno and Moriondo married on October 9, 2023, shortly after Centeno turned 18. The duration and nature of their relationship prior to marriage remain unclear.
The case continues to be under investigation as authorities await the results of forensic analysis.
