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Published
on Friday, October 16, 2026
By
the A.M. Costa Rica
staff
A
woman was arrested Friday in connection
with the killing of a 74-year-old U.S.
citizen at his home in Guanacaste Province,
while a
second suspect remains at large, the
Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ)
reported.
The
victim, identified by the surname 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. The cause of death was head
injuries.
The
arrested woman, identified by the surname
Zeledón, is suspected of helping the
primary suspect, a 22-year-old woman
identified by the surname Ortiz, after the
killing, according to investigators.
The investigation found that Ortiz had reportedly traveled abroad with Fleming. After returning to Costa Rica, she allegedly attacked him with a blender jar before leaving his residence that Sunday, the OIJ said.
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Investigators
also determined that Ortiz was seen with
Zeledón on the day of the killing. Zeledón
allegedly drove Ortiz from Coco Beach to
San José Province. The two women are also
suspected of withdrawing cash from ATMs
and making multiple purchases at various
locations using Flemings credit card.
OIJ
Deputy Director Vladimir Muńoz told the
press that investigators identified the
locations where both suspects were living.
The Public Prosecutors Office then
authorized raids on their homes, Ortizs
in the La
Capri District and
Zeledóns in the
San Miguel District.
Both are in the canton of Desamparados, in
San José Province.
Zeledón
was arrested during the raids. Authorities
seized documents, her mobile phone and
other electronic devices as evidence, the
OIJ said.
Ortiz
was not found during the operation and
remains at large. Authorities have issued
an arrest warrant for her.
Ortiz is described as a 22-year-old white woman with long brown hair who is approximately 5 feet, 3 inches tall. She reportedly lives in the canton of Desamparados, in San José Province.
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Video released by the
OIJ
shows Ortiz and Zeledón walking through a
public area in Coco Beach on the day of
the killing. Ortiz
was wearing sandals, blue denim shorts and a
white bikini-style top with chain-like
decorative accessories around the neckline,
according to the description provided.
Authorities
are asking anyone with information that
could help locate Ortiz to contact
investigators. Tips can be
submitted confidentially through the
10-digit OIJ hotline at 800-8000-645
or via WhatsApp at 8800-0645.
Zeledón
remains in custody at the Public
Prosecutors Office in San José, where she
is awaiting questioning by OIJ agents.
She will then await a judges decision on
pretrial measures in connection with the
murder case.
The
Public Prosecutors 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.
A.M. Costa Rica encourages readers to share this notice within their communities to help authorities locate Ortiz, who is wanted in connection with the killing.
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