How Domestic Violence Claimed the Life of Women's Rights Activist Eva Morera Ulloa

On November 1st, 2019, the life of Eva Morera Ulloa, a 19-year-old single mother, was tragically cut short in Costa Rica, a country grappling with domestic violence. Eva’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and the grim reality of gender-based violence that is prevalent not only in Costa Rica but across the globe. As an advocate for women’s rights, Eva’s life was a paradox—she became a victim of the very issue she fervently spoke against. Her death serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for systemic change in addressing domestic abuse.

A Grim Reality: Costa Rica's Domestic Violence Problem

Costa Rica, a country often viewed as a peaceful paradise, has a dark undercurrent—domestic violence, with alarming statistics to support it. According to national reports, 8 out of every 10 domestic violence cases involve women as the victims, and in 9 out of 10 instances, men are the perpetrators. These stark figures underscore the country's growing issue of gender-based violence. In 2019 alone, 11 women in Costa Rica were murdered due to domestic violence, with Eva Morera Ulloa being one of them.

The Life and Activism of Eva Morera Ulloa

Born in 2000, Eva was described by friends and family as sweet, caring, and somewhat naïve. Like many young people, she found solace in social media, particularly Facebook, where she passionately advocated for women’s rights. She spoke out against gender-based violence, which was an alarming issue in Costa Rica. At the time of her death, Eva was studying social work at the Latin University of Costa Rica and actively used her voice to raise awareness about violence against women. She also extended her support to other women, offering help to those within her circle who were in abusive situations. Yet, tragically, behind her public fight, Eva was grappling with her own silent battle—one that would eventually cost her life.

The Beginning of the End: A Dangerous Relationship

Eva's tragic journey began when she was just 13 years old, falling for Randall Oviedo, a 20-year-old man with a troubled past. The significant age gap raised immediate concerns, but Eva, in her youthful naivety, was deeply enamored by him. Randall lived just five blocks away from Eva, making their frequent interactions inevitable. Despite numerous red flags, including his involvement in a drug-dealing gang led by his brother in the nearby San Pablo district, Eva believed in their relationship and was determined to make it work.

Randall's criminal lifestyle wasn’t just limited to drug trafficking. He had a history of manipulative and abusive behavior, which became more apparent as their relationship progressed. Sadly, like many victims of domestic violence, Eva initially failed to recognize the extent of Randall's dangerous influence. Her parents, aware of Randall’s nefarious activities, vehemently opposed the relationship, but Eva was too deeply invested to heed their warnings.

A Young Mother in Peril

Eva's relationship with Randall took a significant turn when, at just 15 years old, she discovered she was pregnant. Randall, then a legal adult, should have recognized the gravity of his actions, but instead, he continued down his reckless path. The pregnancy did nothing to curb Randall’s abusive tendencies, and Eva found herself increasingly isolated and mistreated. Her parents' disapproval deepened, but Eva remained under Randall's control.

In 2016, as Randall’s gang-related activities caught up with him, he was arrested along with several other members of his drug-dealing operation. The timing coincided with Eva's pregnancy, and while Randall was sentenced to six years in prison, it provided Eva with a brief reprieve. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy and finally started to distance herself from the toxic relationship.

The Unforgiving Grip of Abuse

Despite Randall's incarceration, Eva wasn’t free from his manipulation. Randall continued to exert control from behind bars, calling her frequently, attempting to reel her back into his life. Eva, however, was resolute. She focused on raising her son and continuing her education, but her escape from Randall’s grasp was short-lived. Upon his early release in 2019, after serving only three years for good behavior, Randall resumed his efforts to control Eva.

By this time, Eva had sought professional help, reaching out to the National Institute for Women to report the abuse and obtain legal advice. She had also moved on romantically, but her new relationship was another dark chapter of abuse. Eva couldn’t seem to escape the cycle of violence that had entangled her for years, a cycle that many victims of domestic violence know all too well.

The Fateful Day: November 1, 2019

Eva’s tragic story culminated on the first day of November 2019. In what seemed like a routine visit, Eva went to Randall’s house with their 3-year-old son. Randall’s parents were home, and his 5-year-old daughter from a previous relationship was also present. Despite having a protective order against Randall, Eva was trying to maintain some level of civility for the sake of their child. However, Randall had other intentions that day.

A heated argument erupted between the two, stemming from Randall’s repeated attempts to reconcile. Eva, determined not to fall back into his trap, resisted, and things quickly spiraled out of control. Randall, in a fit of rage, pulled out a gun and shot Eva twice in the head, while their son and Randall's daughter stood witness to the horrifying act.

The children, aged 3 and 5, witnessed the unthinkable. As Eva lay dying on the floor, Randall’s parents, alerted by the gunshots, immediately called the police. They did not hesitate to implicate their son, fully aware of his violent tendencies. The authorities arrived swiftly, arresting Randall as he attempted to flee the scene.

Justice for Eva?

Eva was rushed to the hospital, but the damage was too severe. She died shortly after arriving at the emergency room. Her death left a gaping hole in the hearts of her family, who had to endure the additional heartbreak of identifying her body and learning the grim details of her final moments.

The investigation into Eva’s murder revealed the depths of Randall’s criminal past, including previous convictions for aggravated robbery and drug trafficking. Despite his early release, Randall’s violent tendencies had never abated, and Eva’s tragic death was the culmination of years of unchecked abuse.

The Trial and Its Aftermath

In July 2021, nearly two years after Eva’s murder, Randall’s trial began. The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence of abuse, witness testimonies, and the circumstances leading up to the crime. Randall's defense, grasping at straws, claimed he acted in a jealous rage after seeing Eva on an intimate video call with another man—a defense that fell flat in the face of the damning evidence.

Randall was found guilty and sentenced to 35 years in prison. While this provided some measure of justice for Eva, the sentence felt woefully inadequate. Given the possibility of early release, Randall may one day walk free, while Eva’s family remains forever scarred by her untimely death.

The Broader Issue: Gender-Based Violence in Costa Rica

Eva's murder is part of a much larger, deeply ingrained issue in Costa Rican society: gender-based violence. Despite the country's efforts to address domestic abuse, including the establishment of protective laws and services, the system failed Eva. Protective orders, meant to safeguard victims, are only effective if properly enforced, and Eva’s case highlights the gaps in the legal system’s response to domestic violence.

The Costa Rican government has repeatedly stated its commitment to eradicating violence against women, but as Eva’s story illustrates, these promises often fall short in practice. Until concrete actions are taken to enforce laws and provide victims with the protection they need, more women will continue to suffer as Eva did.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Heartbreak

Eva’s life, though tragically cut short, left a profound impact on those who knew her and the larger community. Her advocacy for women’s rights was a beacon of hope for many, and her death has become a rallying cry for those fighting to end gender-based violence in Costa Rica. Eva’s son, now in the care of her parents, will grow up without his mother but with the legacy she left behind—a legacy that calls for justice, protection, and an end to violence against women.

The tragic story of Eva Morera Ulloa is one that must be told again and again, not only to remember her but to highlight the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to occur. Her life, though filled with hardship, was one of strength, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for women. In her memory, we must continue the fight to ensure that no more lives are lost to the scourge of domestic violence.

As Eva once carried a sign that read, “In my family, there’s no room for hate,” we, too, must make room for love, protection, and justice in our communities.