Dutch couple shot dead in Costa Rica

A Dutch couple was found murdered in their home on their hardwood plantation in Sardinal, Costa Rica on Monday. The victims were identified as Sita Dhawtal and Hans Snelders. One of their workers, Rivar Avenec Montalban from Nicaragua, was found dead outside in the yard, Costa Rican news agency Tico Times reports. A worker returning from vacation found the bodies. According to the news agency, they were in an advanced state of decomposition and their hands were tied. The exact cause of death is yet to be determined, but it appears that Snelders was struck on the head. The local police believe they were killed in a robbery. Hart van Nederland reports that the bodies were riddled with gunshot wounds. The Dutch newspaper also states that one of the victims was the father of Talitha, an Amsterdam woman who was hit by a train in 2013. Her death caused some controversy. The police believe she committed suicide, the family refuses to believe it. Her family also took the police to court because they believe an officer lied about a suicide note found in the woman's handbag. Another Costa Rican newspaper La Nacion reported that the Dutch police were expected to arrive in Costa Rica on Tuesday to help with the investigation into the murders.