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Costa Rican Official Provides Key Updates on Death Investigation
Following a statement from the resort where the Gardner family was lodging, a Costa Rican justice official, Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, spokesperson for the Judicial Investigation Agency (JIA), has announced that the release of autopsy findings for the deceased will be significantly delayed. This postponement is attributed to a surge in violent crime in the region.
Autopsy Results Delayed Due to Crime Surge
Garcia, speaking to DailyMail.com, explained that a notable increase in homicides, stemming from territorial disputes between drug trafficking organizations, is causing a substantial backlog in forensic examinations. “We are experiencing a rise in homicide cases as drug gangs compete for control,” he stated, “and each of these fatalities necessitates an autopsy.”
He further clarified, “While an autopsy has been conducted, the comprehensive analysis and definitive results for this case, like all others, will require a minimum of two to three months to finalize. This timeframe is due to the current overload of cases resulting from the persistent rise in killings. This reflects the current reality.”
No Indication of Alcohol or Drug Involvement
Despite the delay in the complete report, Alvarado Garcia confirmed that preliminary findings have shown no evidence to suggest that the individual’s death was connected to the use of illicit drugs or alcohol consumption.
Body Repatriation Awaits US Embassy Procedures
The official further indicated that “all necessary specimens” have been collected during the autopsy, allowing for the deceased’s body to be returned to the United States. However, the Gardner family is currently awaiting completion of processing their repatriation request by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.