Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) agents arrested two people Thursday in connection with the murder of a 66-year-old U.S. citizen identified by the surname Van Dyke in Limón Province.

The suspects are a 31-year-old woman identified by the surname Arroyo and a 34-year-old man identified by the surname Gutierrez. Authorities identified both as key suspects in the killing.

The arrests followed early-morning raids at the suspects' homes in the Districts of Pocora and Astúa Pirie in Limón Province.

The murder was reported on Saturday, Feb. 14, when Red Cross emergency responders received a distress call at approximately 11 a.m. informing them that a man had been attacked inside his home by a group of intruders.

Paramedics arrived at Van Dyke's residence in Hone Creek district, near Cahuita Beach in Limón Province. They found him unresponsive beneath his bed, with a plastic bag over his head and multiple stab wounds, authorities said. A knife was found beside him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate that several intruders broke into the residence early Saturday morning. Van Dyke was inside the home with Arroyo, who was reportedly his girlfriend at the time.

Authorities said Arroyo was found locked inside 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 of the victim's belongings, including a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The suspects reportedly fled the property in two vehicles, one of which was the stolen Elantra.

According to Vladimir Muñoz, deputy director of the OIJ, investigators believe Arroyo allowed the intruders to enter the home.

The investigation indicates that the primary motive was likely theft. The stolen property reportedly included the vehicle, credit cards and access credentials for bank accounts linked to a hotel Van Dyke operated in Puerto Viejo, in the Canton of Limón.

Muñoz said two additional male suspects remain at large. Investigators expect the two men to be arrested in the coming hours.

Arroyo and Gutierrez remain in custody at the Public Prosecutor's Office in Limón, where they are awaiting questioning by OIJ agents. They will subsequently await a judge's decision on pretrial measures in connection with the murder case.

Authorities have not released additional details because the investigation remains ongoing. They said only Van Dyke's immediate family members may request further information.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provides guidance and assistance to families of American citizens who die overseas. 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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