Q COSTARICA — The first half of 2026 shows a downward trend in the number of homicide victims compared to the same period in 2025.
Official data, presented by the Organismo de Investigacíon Judicial (OIJ), reflects a reduction from 440 to 378 homicides registered in the country. This decrease represents a 14% drop in the total number of victims, marking a slight improvement in efforts to contain lethal violence.
Although May remains the month with the highest number of homicides (77 in 2025 and 71 in 2026), the overall trend for the current year is that in three months, the number exceeds that of the previous year: February, April, and May.
Collateral homicides, meaning those in which the victims were not the primary target of the attack, also decreased: from 45 cases in the first half of 2025 to 19 in 2026. This suggests a lower incidence of collateral damage in violent incidents.
Geographic Distribution
San José remains the province with the highest number of homicides, with 111 victims in 2026, although this figure is down from 150 cases the previous year.
Limón (86 victims in 2026) and Puntarenas (67) complete the top three, followed by Alajuela (40), Guanacaste (31), Cartago (33), and Heredia (10).
All provinces, except Puntarenas and Cartago, show a reduction in homicides.
The report indicates that the majority of victims are men: 339 in 2026 compared to 401 in 2025. There were 37 female victims in 2026, a slight decrease from the 39 of the previous year. Additionally, there were two victims whose sex could not be determined.
Regarding age, the most affected group is between 18 and 29 years old, with 132 victims in 2026, followed by those between 30 and 39 years old (106), 40 and 49 years old (55), and 50 to 64 years old (40). The 12-17 age group accounts for 19 victims, while children under 12 have three cases in 2026.
Firearms continue to be the primary weapon used in homicides, although their use decreased from 349 cases in 2025 to 296 in 2026.
Bladed weapons were present in 37 homicides, and other objects in 45 cases.
“Settling scores or revenge” remains the most frequent motive, although with a notable decrease: from 323 in 2025 to 243 in 2026. Cases “undetermined” increased, while homicides resulting from arguments or fights fell from 42 to 31. Other motives include the commission of another crime, domestic violence, and repelling criminal and professional activity, all with lower numbers.
Persistent Challenges
Although homicides and collateral victims decreased, the predominance of settling scores as a motive indicates that violence linked to organized crime remains prevalent.
The profile of the victims—mainly young men—and the concentration in certain provinces underscore the need for targeted policies. Authorities continue to investigate cases where the motive is still undetermined, with quarterly reviews.