A crocodile rips off a boy's head from his body as the horrified parents watch the reptile go back and snatch the headless corpse in utter horror, dragging it underwater. Later they found the remains of the 8-year-old boy when they inspected the grisly remains in the beast's stomach.

Parents Watched in Horror as Crocodile Rips Off Boy's Head

The victim, Julio Otero Fernández, was attacked by a huge 12-foot crocodile as he paddled close to the Matina River in Costa Rica, reported Express UK.

When disaster struck on October 30, the couple and their five kids had been in the neighborhood for a fishing trip. One relative claimed to have witnessed the enormous crocodile gnaw off the boy's head and drag the boy's body under the water.

Once the giant reptile struck, Julio was knee-deep in the body of water while having fun. His parents, Margini Fernández Flores and Don Julio Otero, watched with terror as their son was dragged away from them, noted Mirror UK.

His horrified parents found it hard to see the animal taking their son's dismembered corpse.

Read Also: Llama Antibodies May Be Needed to Create Coronavirus Treatment

Crocodile Mysteriously Killed, Cut Open Revealing Boy's Remains 

Last November 26, a poacher tracked the suspected carnivore and gunned it down before leaving the scene, as this is illegal to shoot crocodiles in Costa Rica.

The croc was shot dead by an unknown hunter, and its body was found and probed by residents. Residents presumably found human hair and bones in the animal's belly, which they assumed corresponded to Julio.

The victim's mother confirmed the bones and hair were found within the animal. She said the crocodile got shot and killed but had no idea who did it. The crocodile's death allowed them to look for her son's remains.

After several weeks, the crocodile may have already digested the victim's flesh, but the hair and bone remains are found inside it to be examined. The victim's mother says it is good to know the animal is dead and was killed. She added, "I wish they would kill them all so no family ever has to go through pain like this again," citing Cottontails Online.

The remains found inside the crocodile were forwarded to the local authorities to undergo DNA tests. The outcomes are still to be made official as the investigation is ongoing.

Julio's family moved to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast from Nicaragua about four years ago to find employment on a banana plantation. The couple pledged to head back to Nicaragua to ensure their other four children, aged between 3 and 16, are secure from crocs that are sheltered in adjoining Costa Rica.

According to the mother, it is difficult to continue residing in Matina, as there is always something that reminds them of Julito in every corner of the house, which causes so much pain. She says she can't stay since these animals are guarded and can cross the river to target more individuals.

Related Article: Weird Bramble Snout Fossils Discovered in Welsh Quarry More Ancient Than the Dinosaurs