A Verdict That Brings Closure, But Not Peace
In a case that has gripped Costa Rica, justice was finally delivered for María Tacsan, who was brutally murdered by her husband, Dr. Carlos Andrés Pérez, in September 2020. The Heredia Criminal Court found Pérez guilty of femicide and sentenced him to 35 years in prison. While this verdict cannot bring María back, it represents a significant moment of justice for her grieving family and friends.
The Crime: A Chilling Act of Betrayal
The tragic events unfolded on September 19, 2020, in the quiet town of San Rafael de Heredia. According to the prosecution, Pérez, a medical doctor, used his professional knowledge to administer a lethal dose of lidocaine to his wife, rendering her neurologically incapacitated. He then staged the scene to make it appear as though María had committed suicide, using a gun to deliver the fatal shot.
However, from the outset, María’s family and friends refused to believe the suicide narrative. Their persistence, combined with the efforts of dedicated lawyers and forensic experts, ultimately led to a second trial and a conviction that many feel was long overdue.
The Legal Battle: A Fight for Truth
The legal journey to justice was far from straightforward. In March 2023, Pérez was acquitted due to doubts raised by the defense. This decision was devastating for María’s loved ones, who were certain that she had been murdered. Refusing to give up, the prosecution and the family’s legal team successfully appealed the acquittal, leading to a retrial.
During the second trial, which concluded on August 19, 2024, the court was presented with compelling evidence that left little room for doubt. Federico Campos, the lawyer representing María’s family, expressed confidence in the outcome from the start. “Justice was done for her (María), her family, friends, and for all those who believed she had never committed suicide,” Campos stated. “This time, we had an objective court, attentive to the evidence.”
The Evidence: Science and Technology Uncover the Truth
The retrial saw a parade of forensic experts and scientists who meticulously laid out the evidence pointing to murder rather than suicide. This evidence was crucial in discrediting the defense’s claims and painting a clear picture of what really happened that night.
One of the key pieces of evidence was the digital and physical data that contradicted the suicide theory. According to Daniela Vargas, the lawyer handling the civil compensation case for the Tacsan family, “The evidence in this case was overwhelming. The defense tried to imply that María had sent text messages, but by that time, she was already dead.”
The prosecution argued that Pérez had meticulously planned the murder, using his medical expertise to cover his tracks. However, the evidence, including forensic analysis and expert testimony, was too strong to ignore, leading to the unanimous guilty verdict.
The Sentence: A Measure of Justice
The Heredia Criminal Court sentenced Pérez to 35 years in prison for femicide. Additionally, he was ordered to spend eight months in preventive detention as the appeals process begins and the sentence is finalized. While the defense may attempt to challenge the verdict, the court’s decision has provided a sense of justice for those who knew and loved María.
The court also upheld the civil action for compensation, awarding María’s family ¢100 million colones. This financial compensation, though small compared to their loss, is a further acknowledgment of the suffering caused by Pérez’s actions.
The Attorney General’s Role: A Symbol of Justice
The presence of Carlo Díaz, Costa Rica’s Attorney General, at the sentencing hearing was unexpected and sparked criticism from the defense. However, Díaz defended his attendance, stating that he intends to show greater support for prosecutors in significant trials and judicial proceedings. His presence underscored the importance of this case in the broader context of justice for victims of femicide in Costa Rica.
A Step Forward, But the Struggle Continues
The conviction of Dr. Carlos Andrés Pérez for the femicide of María Tacsan is a significant victory for justice in Costa Rica. It sends a powerful message that those who commit such heinous acts will be held accountable, regardless of their status or profession. However, this case also highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure justice for victims of gender-based violence.
María’s family and friends have endured a long and painful journey to reach this point. While they now have the legal acknowledgment of Pérez’s guilt, they continue to grapple with the profound loss of a loved one. As Costa Rica confronts the issue of femicide, cases like this one serve as stark reminders of the work that remains to be done.
Justice may have been served, but the fight for a society where such tragedies are prevented, rather than merely punished, continues. For now, the conviction of Pérez offers some measure of solace to those who knew María, even as they mourn the life that was so cruelly taken from them.
