A U.S. business owner was shot and killed at his nightclub Tuesday night in Parrita, south of Jacó on the central Pacific coast.

James Norris, 47, was getting ready to leave his club, Bouganvilea, in the Los Angeles neighborhood, when a man in a ski mask entered at around 11:15 p.m., went directly to Norris and shot him at least seven times, according to Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ).

A waitress said patrons and staff hit the floor after the first shot, and the shooter fled immediately after he finished firing. Norris died at the scene.

No arrests have been made in the case so far.

Just a month ago, three masked men went to Norris' house, not far from the club, and shot him four times before robbing his home. It is unknown at the time if those involved in the January robbery are connected to Norris' murder.

Norris was originally from New Hampshire and had lived in Costa Rica for several years, opening up the disco a year ago. Norris had no family in Costa Rica.

Police are urging any individuals with information on the murder to contact the Aguirre-Quepos OIJ at 2777-0511 or 2777-1511.

Tico Times correspondent Christopher Wayne contributed to this report from Parrita.