Investigations into Double Homicide in Escazú Yield Key Evidence
A pair of white sneakers worn by one of the suspects played a crucial role in solving the murder of two men in a luxury condominium.
On August 13, 2010, a brutal double homicide occurred in a luxury condominium in Escazú, Costa Rica, leading to significant outrage and a complex investigation that ultimately resulted in the apprehension of the suspects involved.
The victims, Carlos Luis Salas Fernández, 35, and Ezri Cambronero Ureña, 21, were reportedly killed by individuals they considered friends.
The evening began as a social gathering, with Salas and Cambronero joined by Rolando Alfaro and his cousin Álvaro Ávila at the residence of Salas, located in the exclusive Cerro Alto community.
The meeting was intended to foster friendship, but it quickly devolved into a plot for robbery and murder.
According to judicial officials familiar with the case, the suspects planned to steal valuable possessions from Salas, leading to their fatal attack.
The method of murder was particularly chilling, as both victims were attacked with a single knife, which measured 13 centimeters with a beige-colored handle.
Post-mortem examinations revealed that Salas sustained seven stab wounds, while Cambronero’s injuries also indicated a violent struggle.
Evidence at the scene suggested a significant disturbance occurred during the attack, with defensive marks present on the victims.
Following the murders, the perpetrators attempted to conceal their crime by dragging the bodies to the vehicle garage of the condominium.
Judicial sources indicated that the body of Salas was wrapped in a luxurious carpet, valued at over three million colones.
The assailants attempted to steal several high-value items from the home, including designer shoes, electronics, and a PlayStation.
The investigation revealed the suspects had initially attempted to drive away in Salas's vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz and an Audi, but a malfunction forced them to abandon the plan.
They ultimately loaded stolen items into a Toyota belonging to Cambronero.
Security footage documented their struggle to leave the property, during which one of the suspects was notably wearing white sneakers belonging to Salas.
This detail became a pivotal aspect of the investigation.
The following morning, the discovery of the victims' bodies prompted immediate action from law enforcement, who quickly pieced together the events leading up to the homicides.
Evidence amassed at the scene, including traces of blood and the suspects' footwear impressions, directly linked Alfaro and Ávila to the crime.
Following extensive police efforts, both suspects were located and arrested.
Alfaro was the first to be captured while still wearing the victim’s sneakers.
Ávila was apprehended shortly thereafter, during which police recovered additional evidence that corroborated their involvement in the murders.
Both were subsequently sentenced to fifty years in prison for their roles in the crime, leading to a significant closure for the families of the victims.
However, the aftermath of their imprisonment was marked by ongoing notoriety; while incarcerated, Rolando Alfaro was reportedly killed by another inmate in a prison altercation in July 2017.
The case garnered widespread media coverage and raised concerns about safety and trust within personal relationships.
It highlighted the vulnerabilities that can exist even among groups of acquaintances and sparked discussions on crime prevention in affluent communities.
The victims, Carlos Luis Salas Fernández, 35, and Ezri Cambronero Ureña, 21, were reportedly killed by individuals they considered friends.
The evening began as a social gathering, with Salas and Cambronero joined by Rolando Alfaro and his cousin Álvaro Ávila at the residence of Salas, located in the exclusive Cerro Alto community.
The meeting was intended to foster friendship, but it quickly devolved into a plot for robbery and murder.
According to judicial officials familiar with the case, the suspects planned to steal valuable possessions from Salas, leading to their fatal attack.
The method of murder was particularly chilling, as both victims were attacked with a single knife, which measured 13 centimeters with a beige-colored handle.
Post-mortem examinations revealed that Salas sustained seven stab wounds, while Cambronero’s injuries also indicated a violent struggle.
Evidence at the scene suggested a significant disturbance occurred during the attack, with defensive marks present on the victims.
Following the murders, the perpetrators attempted to conceal their crime by dragging the bodies to the vehicle garage of the condominium.
Judicial sources indicated that the body of Salas was wrapped in a luxurious carpet, valued at over three million colones.
The assailants attempted to steal several high-value items from the home, including designer shoes, electronics, and a PlayStation.
The investigation revealed the suspects had initially attempted to drive away in Salas's vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz and an Audi, but a malfunction forced them to abandon the plan.
They ultimately loaded stolen items into a Toyota belonging to Cambronero.
Security footage documented their struggle to leave the property, during which one of the suspects was notably wearing white sneakers belonging to Salas.
This detail became a pivotal aspect of the investigation.
The following morning, the discovery of the victims' bodies prompted immediate action from law enforcement, who quickly pieced together the events leading up to the homicides.
Evidence amassed at the scene, including traces of blood and the suspects' footwear impressions, directly linked Alfaro and Ávila to the crime.
Following extensive police efforts, both suspects were located and arrested.
Alfaro was the first to be captured while still wearing the victim’s sneakers.
Ávila was apprehended shortly thereafter, during which police recovered additional evidence that corroborated their involvement in the murders.
Both were subsequently sentenced to fifty years in prison for their roles in the crime, leading to a significant closure for the families of the victims.
However, the aftermath of their imprisonment was marked by ongoing notoriety; while incarcerated, Rolando Alfaro was reportedly killed by another inmate in a prison altercation in July 2017.
The case garnered widespread media coverage and raised concerns about safety and trust within personal relationships.
It highlighted the vulnerabilities that can exist even among groups of acquaintances and sparked discussions on crime prevention in affluent communities.
