OIJ Intensifies Search for Suspect in Alajuelita Homicides
Judicial authorities in Costa Rica pursue alias 'Chus' in connection with a series of violent incidents in Alajuelita
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) of Costa Rica has released a photograph of Jesús Rosales Pérez, known as 'Chus,' who is suspected of involvement in several homicides in Tejarcillos, a district of Alajuelita.
The judicial police are also considering his connection to a recent triple homicide that occurred early Monday morning in the San Felipe area of Alajuelita.
Rosales, 35, is currently sought by the Public Ministry, which has issued a formal order for his arrest.
The OIJ's director, Randall Zúñiga, has urged anyone with information on Rosales' whereabouts to contact the authorities via the phone number 800-8000-645.
Rosales, reportedly of Nicaraguan origin, is alleged to have been involved in drug operations for the 'Los Lara' gang in Los Pinos de Tejarcillos.
Internal conflicts within the criminal organization, stemming from a loss of trust, may have contributed to recent violent confrontations, including the fatal shooting incident on Monday.
The recent violence has resulted in the deaths of Jean Carlo Macloud Manzanares, 24, Jairo Castillo Lindo, 21, and a 17-year-old with the surname Varela.
In addition, three other individuals were injured in the incident and transported to the Dr. Solón Núñez clinic in Hatillo.
Investigations are underway to determine any links between these homicides and another murder that occurred about 12 hours later in central Alajuelita.
The victim was identified as Keylor José Chaverri Salazar, whose body was discovered in a drain following a daylight shooting.
Police reports describe Chaverri Salazar as a single resident of Alajuelita, involved in local drug-related territorial disputes.
His death occurred when two attackers on a motorcycle allegedly ambushed him on the street, executing a targeted attack despite law enforcement presence in the vicinity due to previous incidents.
The district of Alajuelita has experienced a significant surge in homicide rates, with 45 murders reported last year compared to only five in 2022. This increase is largely attributed to territorial disputes between rival gangs, including 'Los Lara,' 'Los Myrie,' 'Los Gemelos,' and the group led by 'Churro Sandí,' all vying for control over drug sales in the region.
Local authorities face challenges in addressing the violence, with Alajuelita's municipal police understaffed and reliant on cooperative efforts with national law enforcement agencies.
According to Teresita Zúñiga of the local municipality, San Felipe remains the most affected area, historically accounting for a significant proportion of violent incidents in the region.
In 2023, law enforcement efforts to apprehend Rosales included a raid on his residence, linked to the murder of Luis Carlos Loaiza Chaves.
Although Rosales evaded capture, another suspect was arrested and remains in custody for that crime.
The Ministry of Security, under Mario Zamora, announced the deployment of additional police resources and operational strategies, such as road controls and interventions in conflict-prone neighborhoods, to curb the ongoing violence linked to drug trafficking.
Although the leaders of some local gangs, such as 'Los Lara' and 'Los Myrie,' are incarcerated, their organizations continue to operate, giving rise to internal conflicts and associated violent outbursts.
As law enforcement agencies increase their presence and gather intelligence in Alajuelita, they aim to stabilize the region and gather pertinent information to facilitate ongoing investigations.
The judicial police are also considering his connection to a recent triple homicide that occurred early Monday morning in the San Felipe area of Alajuelita.
Rosales, 35, is currently sought by the Public Ministry, which has issued a formal order for his arrest.
The OIJ's director, Randall Zúñiga, has urged anyone with information on Rosales' whereabouts to contact the authorities via the phone number 800-8000-645.
Rosales, reportedly of Nicaraguan origin, is alleged to have been involved in drug operations for the 'Los Lara' gang in Los Pinos de Tejarcillos.
Internal conflicts within the criminal organization, stemming from a loss of trust, may have contributed to recent violent confrontations, including the fatal shooting incident on Monday.
The recent violence has resulted in the deaths of Jean Carlo Macloud Manzanares, 24, Jairo Castillo Lindo, 21, and a 17-year-old with the surname Varela.
In addition, three other individuals were injured in the incident and transported to the Dr. Solón Núñez clinic in Hatillo.
Investigations are underway to determine any links between these homicides and another murder that occurred about 12 hours later in central Alajuelita.
The victim was identified as Keylor José Chaverri Salazar, whose body was discovered in a drain following a daylight shooting.
Police reports describe Chaverri Salazar as a single resident of Alajuelita, involved in local drug-related territorial disputes.
His death occurred when two attackers on a motorcycle allegedly ambushed him on the street, executing a targeted attack despite law enforcement presence in the vicinity due to previous incidents.
The district of Alajuelita has experienced a significant surge in homicide rates, with 45 murders reported last year compared to only five in 2022. This increase is largely attributed to territorial disputes between rival gangs, including 'Los Lara,' 'Los Myrie,' 'Los Gemelos,' and the group led by 'Churro Sandí,' all vying for control over drug sales in the region.
Local authorities face challenges in addressing the violence, with Alajuelita's municipal police understaffed and reliant on cooperative efforts with national law enforcement agencies.
According to Teresita Zúñiga of the local municipality, San Felipe remains the most affected area, historically accounting for a significant proportion of violent incidents in the region.
In 2023, law enforcement efforts to apprehend Rosales included a raid on his residence, linked to the murder of Luis Carlos Loaiza Chaves.
Although Rosales evaded capture, another suspect was arrested and remains in custody for that crime.
The Ministry of Security, under Mario Zamora, announced the deployment of additional police resources and operational strategies, such as road controls and interventions in conflict-prone neighborhoods, to curb the ongoing violence linked to drug trafficking.
Although the leaders of some local gangs, such as 'Los Lara' and 'Los Myrie,' are incarcerated, their organizations continue to operate, giving rise to internal conflicts and associated violent outbursts.
As law enforcement agencies increase their presence and gather intelligence in Alajuelita, they aim to stabilize the region and gather pertinent information to facilitate ongoing investigations.
