In a case that has gripped San Pablo de Heredia, the defense attorney for a man accused of the grisly murder of Nadia Peraza has called for a clinical analysis to determine if his client requires confinement in a psychiatric facility. The suspect, last name Buzano, is accused of not only killing Peraza but also dismembering her body and storing it in a refrigerator.
A Disturbing Discovery
The horrifying details emerged when Francisco Herrera, the defense lawyer, portrayed his client as deeply troubled, suggesting that Buzano’s mental state was severely compromised. “He has a vacant look and spends his time weeping. He asks about when he will receive the death penalty and expresses a desire to see Nadia, indicating he is lost in time and cannot remember his actions,” Herrera detailed during a hearing on Monday at the Heredia Criminal Court.
Complex Family Dynamics
Adding to the complexity, Buzano reportedly does not remember his daughter with Peraza, who has been under the care of her maternal grandmother following a domestic violence incident prior to Peraza’s death. This situation came to light as child protection services intervened, revealing a tumultuous family background.
Legal Proceedings and Clinical Evaluations
During the hearing, where Buzano’s year-long preventive detention was under review, Herrera requested a new clinical evaluation. He aims to confirm whether Buzano should be interned at the CAPEMCOL, a facility for individuals with mental illnesses who are in conflict with the law.
Responding to suggestions that Buzano might be feigning illness, Herrera strongly refuted this idea, emphasizing the need for justice that considers the suspect’s health. “Some might think we are trying to cheat the law. We are seeking justice from a health perspective,” Herrera insisted.
Confirmation of Identity and Ongoing Investigations
The case took a definitive turn when the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), led by Randall Zúñiga, confirmed that the remains found in the refrigerator were indeed those of Nadia Peraza, missing since February. Zúñiga reported that distinctive elements identified during the autopsy supported this identification, although DNA results are pending to fully confirm these findings.
Timeline of Events
Peraza’s trace was last seen on February 20 in San Rafael de Heredia, where she lived with Buzano and their two-year-old daughter. She was officially reported missing on March 1, after which the authorities initiated a search. Following thorough investigations and surveillance, the police discovered her remains in a disconnected refrigerator in a green area of an apartment rented by Buzano, post her disappearance.
Further Discoveries and Ongoing Investigations
The day after discovering the refrigerator, it was removed from the scene and transported for further examination. Shortly thereafter, more human remains were found in a nearby coffee plantation, heightening the mystery, although it remains unconfirmed if these are also related to Peraza.
This case continues to unfold, with each revelation adding layers of complexity to a deeply troubling series of events. As the community reels from the shock, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Nadia Peraza while addressing the mental health considerations of the accused, in a case that challenges both legal and ethical boundaries.
