Costa Rican authorities have arrested a man suspected in the killing of a 75-year-old U.S. citizen who was found dead Monday at her home in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, according to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).

The victim, identified by her last name, Heaviland, was fatally attacked at her residence near the Cabo Velas area in the Santa Cruz Canton, the OIJ said.

According to investigators, the case began early Monday when the Red Cross received a 911 call reporting that an unconscious woman had been found at her home. The call was made by a taxi driver who had arranged to pick up Heaviland and drive her to Daniel Oduber International Airport in the Liberia Canton. He told authorities that when he arrived at the residence early that morning, he found the woman lying in the backyard.

When paramedics arrived, they found Heaviland unresponsive, in cardiac arrest and not breathing. She had multiple bruises on her body and was pronounced dead at the scene, indicating she had died before emergency personnel arrived.

Red Cross paramedics coordinated with local police and OIJ agents, who secured the scene and launched an investigation. Heaviland's body was transported to the Judicial Morgue in Heredia Province for a forensic examination.

During their investigation, OIJ agents found evidence suggesting that valuables had been stolen from the home. Investigators also determined that the victim's vehicle had been taken from the property.

Authorities are treating the case as a robbery-homicide based on evidence gathered at the scene and the apparent motive behind the attack.

The investigation led officers to the victim's vehicle, which had been impounded by traffic police in the Liberia Canton. Police said the vehicle was seized in the La Cruz Canton on Sunday after the man driving it was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, one day before Heaviland's body was found.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was later arrested as a suspect in Heaviland's killing and the alleged theft of her vehicle. He remains in custody at the Liberia Prosecutor's Office while awaiting a judge's decision on pretrial detention and other precautionary measures related to the robbery and homicide investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details, saying the case remains confidential and that only the victim's family is authorized to receive further information.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provides guidance and assistance to families of American citizens who die abroad. Services vary depending on whether relatives are traveling with the deceased and whether the individual was visiting or residing in the country.


"The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States," the embassy states on its website. "The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, serving as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes."


The embassy notes that it does not pay for funeral, burial or repatriation expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to handle arrangements. Embassy personnel can assist by coordinating with local authorities and service providers on their behalf.


For additional information, the U.S. Embassy can be reached at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.


The OIJ, a division of the Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations throughout the country. Its officers possess nationwide police authority.

------------
Have you heard of other cases involving U.S. citizens who were found dead in Costa Rica?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

----------