An arrest has been made in the brutal murder of Sondra Lynn Elizondo, a 46-year old charity worker from the United States, who was found raped, stabbed and suffocated in a love hotel near the capital city of Costa Rica.

According to a news report filed by Manuel Estrada of daily tabloid Diario Extra, detectives from the Office of Judicial Investigations (Spanish initials: OIJ) raided a home in Coronado yesterday, where they arrested a 25-year old man who had been on a shopping spree with a credit card belonging to the decedent. In the suspect’s residence, agents also found jewelry and clothing that may have been taken from the hotel room where Mrs. Elizondo was found.

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, the body of Mrs. Elizondo was found by housekeeping staff at the Hotel 69 in Barrio La California, in the eastern suburbs of San Jose. A preliminary crime scene report suggested that Mrs. Elizondo may have sexually assaulted before being stabbed at least 15 times, strangled with a bed sheet and suffocated with a pillow.

The Costa Rica Star tried to obtain information from hotel staff, who stated they were instructed by OIJ agents to not reveal any details about the crime for the time being.

Mrs. Elizondo was the director of the VIDA Volunteer Travel charity, which manages healthcare facilities for poor children in Costa Rica and other Central American nations.

A Facebook update posted by VIDA two days ago explained that Mrs. Elizondo passed away. The post included a photo of a dazzling woman wearing a floral print dress.

Vida Volunteer regrets to inform you about the passing of our beloved director and co-founder, Sondra Lynn Elizondo.

Sondra was a devoted mother, loyal friend and caring daughter. She was a great inspiration and always passionate about helping others and making a positive difference. Vida Volunteer is the legacy Sondra leaves behind and we are more committed than ever to keeping her dream alive.

Sondra is survived by her two children, her parents and a brother. She will be deeply missed.

Please send your condolences to [email protected]. All messages will be forwarded to her family and loved ones.