Editor's note: The initial report was based on official information released by Costa Rican authorities, which identified the victim as Dier and stated he was in the residence with his wife at the time of the incident.

After publication, A.M. Costa Rica received additional information from Pierre Deir, who identified himself as the victim’s brother. He clarified that the correct spelling of the victim’s last name is Deir, and that he was in Costa Rica with his girlfriend. This article has been updated to reflect these details.

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A Canadian citizen has been shot and killed near Tamarindo Beach in the Guanacaste Province, according to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).

The victim has been identified as Deir, a 40-year-old tourist. The incident occurred late Friday night, when Costa Rica’s Red Cross received an emergency call around 11 p.m., reporting that a man had been shot multiple times inside a residence in the Los Jobos district.

Preliminary reports indicate that an intruder broke into the vacation rental where Deir was staying. According to the OIJ, the victim's girlfriend was the first to spot the intruder inside the home. Deir then exited the house to confront the man, who opened fire, fatally wounding him. After the shooting, the suspect allegedly stole several personal belongings, including cash and a cell phone, before fleeing the scene.

When paramedics arrived, they found Deir unresponsive, not breathing, and in cardiac arrest. A medical assessment revealed multiple gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Red Cross coordinated with the OIJ, which has launched an official homicide investigation. Deir's body was transferred to the Judicial Morgue in Heredia for a full forensic examination.

Authorities have not released further information about the case, citing confidentiality. At this time, only the victim’s immediate family is authorized to request additional details.

The OIJ has urged anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be reported confidentially via the national hotline at 800-8000-645 or the quick-dial number 11-76. Bilingual agents are available in both English and Spanish.

According to the Government of Canada, when a Canadian dies abroad, the family must designate a representative to handle matters related to the disposition of remains. Assistance is available through Canadian consular officials, who can be reached at +1-613-996-8885 or via email at sos@international.gc.ca.

Consular officials can help with country-specific procedures, including locating the remains, coordinating with local funeral homes, communicating with police and hospitals, and obtaining required documentation such as autopsy or police reports, when applicable.

Deir’s death marks one of several recent violent incidents involving North American tourists in Costa Rica. In March, a 64-year-old U.S. citizen, identified as Gebhardd, was also fatally shot near Jaco Beach, in Garabito Canton, Puntarenas Province.

The OIJ, an investigative agency operating under the Costa Rican Supreme Court of Justice, is leading the inquiry.