Fleming was found dead Sept. 27 at the condominium complex where he lived in Coco Beach, Guanacaste. The OIJ said the killing occurred at about 4:50 p.m. His cause of death was head injuries.

OIJ noted that the victim was a legal resident living in Costa Rica at the time of his death.

Authorities identified Ortiz as the main suspect. She was arrested at 12:30 p.m. in a public area in the San Felipe District of Alajuelita Canton, San José Province.

OIJ Deputy Director Vladimir Muñoz said investigators had been searching for Ortiz for several days before her arrest.

“The woman was arrested at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday as a suspect in the homicide of Fleming. We had been searching for her for several days,” Muñoz said.

On Sunday, Oct. 27, Fleming agreed to meet Ortiz during the day in a public area near Coco Beach. He later drove her to her apartment in his vehicle.

Investigators suspect that an altercation occurred after the two spent some time together in the apartment. Ortiz allegedly struck Fleming with a blender jar, causing his death.

Ortiz fleeing the apartment to meet a second female suspect, identified by the surname Zeledón, who investigators say helped her leave the scene.

“The investigation suggests that the possible motive for the murder was robbery, as Ortiz allegedly stole three high-value Rolex watches, each worth more than $25,000," Muñoz added. "Furthermore, investigators suspect that Ortiz stole several of the victim's international credit cards, which were presumably used to make purchases at various stores.”

An arrest warrant for Ortiz had been issued Oct. 16, the same day that Zeledón was arrested in San José Province.

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

“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 funeral, burial or repatriation expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to handle the 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 Public Prosecutor’s Office directs criminal investigations and prosecutes criminal cases throughout Costa Rica.

The OIJ operates under the Supreme Court of Justice and is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and exercising police authority nationwide.

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