The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) is asking the public for help locating a woman suspected in the murder of a 74-year-old U.S. citizen identified by the surname Fleming in Guanacaste Province.

Investigators with the OIJ delegation in Sardinal, Guanacaste, released a video on the agency’s official YouTube channel showing a woman believed to be between 20 and 30 years old who is considered the prime suspect in Fleming’s killing.

According to the OIJ, the murder occurred Sunday, Sept. 27, at approximately 4:50 p.m. at the condominium complex where Fleming lived in Coco Beach, Guanacaste.

Authorities did not immediately release information about the case because investigators typically pursue initial leads before seeking public assistance. Those efforts yielded limited results, prompting officials to ask the public for help.

Investigators said Fleming was found dead inside his home at the condominium complex. The cause of death was head injuries.

The OIJ video shows the woman walking through a public area in Coco Beach on the day of the killing. She is described as white, with long brunette hair, and approximately 5 feet, 3 inches tall. She was wearing sandals, blue denim shorts and a white bikini-style top with chain-like decorative accessories across the neck area.

Authorities are urging anyone with information that could help locate the woman to contact investigators. Tips can be submitted confidentially through the agency’s hotline at 800-8000-645 or via WhatsApp at 8800-0645.

Officers have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Fleming’s death because the investigation remains ongoing. Officials said only members of his immediate family may request further information about the case.

A.M. Costa Rica encourages readers to share this notice within their communities to help authorities locate the woman sought in connection with the killing.

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

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.

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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