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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in the killing of a U.S. social worker found stabbed to death at a hotel in this Central American capital, authorities said Wednesday.
The 27-year-old suspect was identified only by his two surnames, Obando Vega.
The Costa Rican Public Ministry told The Associated Press that the man was apparently involved in a romantic relationship with Sondra Lynn Elizondo, a Minnesota native who was living in Florida.
Elizondo worked for Vida Volunteer of Merritt island, Florida, which organizes volunteer medical and veterinary missions in Central America. She traveled frequently to Costa Rica and most recently entered the country Dec. 5.
Elizondo was found dead with multiple stab wounds last week in San Jose.
The Public Ministry said Obando Vega was detained Dec. 10 at a supermarket in a northern district of the capital. Later, accompanied by a defense lawyer, he declined to make a statement. He was ordered to remain behind bars for six months while authorities investigate.
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