Dispute Between Neighbors Ends in Homicide

Guachipelín de Escazú, Costa Rica, June 3 - A neighborly altercation escalated into tragedy this morning when Otoniel Orozco Mendoza, a 53-year-old Nicaraguan nationalized Costa Rican, was fatally shot multiple times. The assailant, Eduardo Ramírez Zamora, was apprehended at the scene.

Details of the Incident

The dispute, captured by the condominium’s security cameras, was the culmination of years of conflicts between the involved parties. The situation escalated during a quarrel between the wives of the men, triggered by a water valve issue. While the women argued, Ramírez Zamora loaded the gun he used to shoot Orozco Mendoza, who had begun physically attacking him.

The confrontation ended with Orozco Mendoza receiving 14 gunshot wounds, resulting in his death at the scene. Authorities, alerted by neighbors, promptly arrested Ramírez Zamora.

Witness Accounts and Background

Dayli Avendaño, the victim’s sister-in-law, stated that the conflicts between the two neighbors were ongoing, with previous complaints filed for threats and harassment.

The final dispute, according to reports, was sparked by the condominium’s water valve.

Eduardo Ramírez Reyes, the father of the detainee, claimed that his son had endured years of harassment and aggression from Orozco. “My son could no longer endure the situation and unfortunately had to shoot him,” he stated.

On the other hand, Ramírez Zamora’s defense attorney, Andrés Durán, argued that his client acted under accumulated stress from the constant conflicts with the victim.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The prosecutor’s office has initiated the corresponding investigations and intends to charge Ramírez Zamora with homicide.

Despite the defense presented by his lawyer, authorities have indicated that self-defense will not be applicable in this case due to the excessive use of lethal force during the confrontation.