Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) is searching for suspects in the killing of a 66-year-old U.S. citizen identified by the last name Van Dyke.

According to the OIJ, the case began Saturday when Red Cross emergency responders received a distress call around 11 a.m. reporting that a man had been attacked inside his home by a group of intruders.

Paramedics arrived at Van Dyke’s residence in the Hone Creek district of Cahuita Beach, in Limón province. Rescuers found him unresponsive beneath his bed. Authorities said he had a plastic bag over his head and multiple stab wounds. A knife was found beside him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Red Cross personnel coordinated with local police and OIJ agents to secure and process the crime scene.

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Reportedly, Van Dyke had lived in Costa Rica since 1983 as a permanent resident. He also owned a small hotel in Puerto Viejo Beach, in Talamanca canton, in the same province.

Preliminary findings indicate that several intruders broke into the home early Saturday morning. Van Dyke was inside the residence with his 31-year-old girlfriend at the time.

Authorities said the woman was locked in a bathroom with her hands and feet bound with zip ties. Van Dyke was apparently in his bedroom when the attack occurred.

After the killing, the intruders stole several belongings from the victims, including a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The suspects reportedly fled the property in two vehicles, one of which was the Elantra.

Additional details have not been released due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities said only Van Dyke’s immediate family members may request further information.

The OIJ is asking anyone with information that could help locate the suspects to come forward. Tips may be submitted confidentially through the agency’s 10-digit hotline at 800-8000-645 or via WhatsApp at 8800-0645.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provides guidance and support to families of U.S. citizens who die abroad, depending on whether the deceased was accompanied by family members and whether they were 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’s website states. “The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, serving as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes.”

The embassy noted it does not cover funeral, repatriation or burial expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to manage arrangements. Embassy representatives can coordinate with local authorities and service providers on their behalf.

For more information, individuals may contact the U.S. Embassy at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

The Judicial Investigation Organization, a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, conducts criminal investigations nationwide. Officers in the agency have national police authority.

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