Tag Archive for: disappearance

Missing Person in Costa Rica

Kim ParisFirst and foremost, remember, missing person investigations can be emotionally charged, complex, and sensitive. Missing persons in Costa Rica can be especially challenging. Always prioritize the well-being of the missing person and their loved ones, and maintain a strong commitment to ethical and legal practices throughout the process.

Locating foreign nationals who have gone missing in Costa Rica can be both, a challenging and sensitive task. Here’s our step-by-step approach to conducting a missing person investigation for foreign nationals in Costa Rica, while considering confidentiality and admissibility in U.S. courts:

Initial Assessment:

Gather all available information about the missing person, such as personal details, last known whereabouts, contacts, and circumstances of their disappearance. Also, establish contact with their friends, family, and acquaintances to gain insights into their activities and potential reasons for the disappearance.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

Understand and adhere to both Costa Rican and U.S. laws and regulations regarding missing person investigations, privacy rights, and surveillance. Work with legal experts who are familiar with both jurisdictions to ensure your actions are within the boundaries of the law.

Working with Local Authorities:

Establish contact with local law enforcement agencies in Costa Rica to report the missing person and seek their assistance. Collaborate closely with them and provide any relevant information that might aid in the investigation.

Engage Local Resources:

Utilize local contacts, investigators, and translators to navigate language barriers and cultural differences effectively. Local expertise can be invaluable in understanding local customs, and laws, and gathering accurate information.

Surveillance and Investigation:

Conduct discreet surveillance in accordance with Costa Rican laws to gather information about the missing person’s movements and potential whereabouts. This may involve visiting locations they were last seen, talking to witnesses, and utilizing technology for tracking.

Digital Footprint Analysis:

Analyze the missing person’s digital footprint, including social media accounts, emails, and online activity. This could provide insights into their state of mind, recent interactions, and potential clues about their location.

Engage Private Investigator Expertise:

Consider hiring a licensed private investigator in Costa Rica who specializes in missing person cases. They can provide valuable insights and have local connections that can facilitate the search.

Family Liaison and Support:

Maintain open communication with the missing person’s family, keeping them updated on the progress of the investigation. Provide emotional support and reassurance during what can be a difficult and stressful time.

Documentation and Evidence Preservation:

Carefully document all findings, interactions, and evidence gathered during the investigation. Ensure that evidence is collected legally, ethically, and in a way that maintains its admissibility in U.S. courts if needed.

Admissibility in U.S. Courts:

Keep thorough records of the investigation process, including the methods used, evidence collected, and any local authorities involved. This documentation can be crucial if the case eventually involves legal proceedings in U.S. courts.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

Protect the privacy of both the missing person and any individuals encountered during the investigation. Avoid disclosing sensitive information unless necessary for the investigation or required by law.

 

Missing in Costa Rica

If you are separated from a loved one or they go missing in Costa Rica, it can be a distressing situation. Here are some immediate steps you should take:

Don’t panic, stay calm and gather information: Take a deep breath and try to remain composed. Collect as much information as possible about the circumstances of the separation or disappearance. Note (write it down) the time, location, and any relevant details that can assist authorities in their search. Try and visualize the missing person to help you recall what they were wearing. If they have a cell phone write down the number.

Contact the local authorities:

Immediately notify the local police or the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) about the situation. Provide them with all the information you have gathered. OIJ is experienced in handling missing person cases and can initiate an official investigation.

Reach out to the nearest embassy or consulate:

Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Costa Rica. You should not be surprised or disappointed if their response is less than enthusiastic. You should also be aware to that the missing person should be reported to the authorities in the U.S. if American. They can provide guidance, support, and assistance during the search process. Provide them with all the necessary details and follow their instructions.

Inform friends, family, and your hotel:

Notify your friends, family members, or anyone else who might be able to help or offer support to someone missing in Costa Rica. Share all the relevant information with them. Also, inform your hotel or accommodation staff about the situation, as they may be able to give assistance or valuable information. Don’t expect a great response from local citizens, unlike the States, “tico’s” are too busy trying to put food on the table.

Utilize social media and local networks:

Share information about the missing person on social media platforms, local community groups, and forums. This can help spread the word and reach a wider audience, increasing the chances of locating your loved one.

Maintain open communication:

Stay in regular contact with the local authorities, your embassy, and any individuals involved in the search. Provide them with any additional information or updates that may arise during the process.

Remember, time is crucial in such situations, so it’s important to act swiftly and cooperate fully with the authorities. They will guide you through the necessary steps to help locate your loved one.

Things to know when coming to Costa Rica

When you decide to come here, there are some things to know coming to Costa Rica. Most who come here do very little research. They come based on advertisements instead of facts. Bear in mind that nothing gets done here quickly. The time frame here is “manana”. For example, accessibility to hospitals or other emergency services. Particularly, those services in the far reaches of Costa Rica like Golfito.

Few give any thought to relationships they may form. The consequences of not knowing who they are dealing with can be fatal. Whether it be a personal or business relationship you need to know who they are dealing with. Relationships, regardless of origin, seem to be better if they are vetted and entered into with both eyes opened. Especially if she is here and you’re not.

Other things to know when coming to Costa Rica

We are offering an evaluation of your planned trip. Since we are here and have been here for over fifteen years, we know the “do’s and don’ts” we can tell you of known or potential problems with your itinerary. Every year we handle dozens of cases involving personal relationships. Things to be considered when coming to Costa Rica and getting involved in long distance relationship for example. I know it is difficult when you are 2,000 miles away and begin to have doubts as the other persons loyalty and truthfulness. The only way you are going to find out is to watch them.

The only way to avoid a bad situation not related to a relationship, is to know the area before you go there. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, could not be more appropriate. Whether it’s a relationship or just a trip to get away, you need to know what you’re walking into.

These precautionary measures you can take now can help you avoid the unforeseen problem you face if you don’t have the facts. We offer a free consultation and you can reach anytime at 321-218-9209. Also, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/picostarica

Missing Person in Costa Rica

Missing Person in Costa Rica, do not waste any time initiating an investigation. The longer you delay, the greater the chances that they may never be found.

Calls to investigate the disappearance of people who visit Costa Rica mostly have failed to find the missing person. The main reason for this was the lack of effort from the earliest known moment that the person went missing. Unlike the United States where there are all kinds of alerts for missing persons or endangered people, Costa Rica has no viable system in place to alert people of the missing person.

Why it is Important to Report someone missing in Costa Rica Immediately

Almost everyone here is busy scratching out a living. They really do not have time to stop what they are doing to volunteer for a search. Such was the case recently when a woman came up missing in Guanacaste under suspicious circumstances. We were not retained until three weeks after the initial disappearance. As far as I know, she is still missing.

Considerations

Having prior law enforcement experience I know the value of early response to a reported missing person. Because of earlier response time to such reports, many of the missing were located. Others who were found to be the victims of a crime, the early response assisted in bringing those responsible to justice.

In Costa Rica, law enforcement is understaffed and under-resourced. They lack the adequate resources and equipment to undertake a search for a missing person. Much of Costa Rica is endowed with lush tropical forests and jungles that lure many inexperienced and novice hikers. Unaware of the lack of cell communication once in these areas and being poorly equipped, many of the best hikers get lost.

Reality

Dangers in the jungles range from Jaguars to over thirty-nine species of poisonous snakes, not to mention crocodiles and scorpions. Medical response and medical facilities are spread out and it could take hours in some instances to get to a medical facility. Once there, of course, there is a concern that they will have the necessary equipment and staff to treat the injury.

Thus the need to report a missing person and contact someone here in Costa Rica to start looking for that person will play a vital part in finding and returning the missing person.

Cold Case Missing Persons in Costa Rica

Cold Case Missing Persons in Costa Rica Private Investigations

Barbara Barbara Stuncova a Czech Republic citizen, has been missing from her residence in Tamarindo since December 5, 2010. According to sources close to Struncova, she attended a party with friends on the night of Dec. 4. She returned home around 1 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 5. She has not been seen since.On the night of Dec. 4, Struncova, 31, went to a party with several friends who were visiting from the Czech Republic. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, U.S. citizen Bill Ulmer. Ulmer who sources say returned home early from the party. He did so because he was frustrated by his inability to communicate with the Czech visitors. Struncova’s friends report that around 1 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 5, she returned to her residence. Barbara lived with Ulmer and four other roommates.

“At 1 a.m. that night we watched her walk inside the house,” said a source close to Struncova who asked to remain anonymous. “By 7 a.m. that morning, Dec. 5, Bill woke up and told us that Barbara had left with her friends. Alleging that, in the middle of the night she had gone to  the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.”

In the days following her disappearance, worried members of Struncova’s family contacted her friends in Tamarindo. The last time family members heard from her was Dec. 4.

Struncova’s belongings are still in her Tamarindo residence.

2. Cold Case Missing Persons in Costa Rica

Kim Paris When the family of Kim Paris contacted me it had been almost 11 days since her disappearance. She had allegedly left a note at the hotel (Latitude 10) where she and her husband Gabriel Orozco were resident managers. Kim allegedly told Gabriel she was going shopping. During my investigation, there were unverified spottings of Kim after the day of her disappearance.  Several things about this disappearance made me question the stories I had been told. The fact of the matter was if Kim was the victim of a crime there are almost limitless places to dispose of the body and cover any potential evidence and or witnesses. Lacking resources and assistance it was challenging to search the area and the locals were of no assistance.

Kim Paris is a dual citizen of France and Canada, moved to Santa Teresa from Montreal at the age of 33. She arrived with her boyfriend, Gabriel Orozco, whom she married in Costa Rica in January 2010.

The reason that I am posting this information again is in hopes that if someone stumbles across skeletal remains they remember this young woman who disappeared and has yet to be found. Also, this is in the same general area as the disappearance of Barbara mentioned above.