The incident was first reported as a traffic accident when the Red Cross received a 911 call at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The caller reported that a gray 4x4 pickup truck had crashed into a pole on Boulevard Street, near Jaco Beach.

When paramedics arrived, they found Gebhardd unresponsive, in cardiac arrest, and not breathing. Upon further examination, they discovered multiple gunshot wounds on his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Red Cross officials coordinated with the OIJ, which is investigating the case as a homicide. The victim’s body was transported to the Judicial Morgue in Heredia for forensic examination.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the case. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have kept the case confidential. Only the victim’s family members are authorized to request further information.

The OIJ is asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Tips can be reported confidentially via the hotline at 800-8000-645, the fast line at 11-76. Bilingual agents are available to assist in both English and Spanish.

The OIJ, an investigative body under Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, is leading the inquiry.

The U.S. Embassy provides guidance and support to families of U.S. citizens who die abroad, depending on whether the deceased was accompanied by family and whether they were visiting or residing 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’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 fund funeral, repatriation, or burial expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, families are not required to travel to Costa Rica to manage arrangements. Embassy representatives can act on their behalf to coordinate with local authorities and service providers.


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

Gebhardd is one of the recent cases involving U.S. citizens found dead in Costa Rica.  In February, a 60-year-old American, identified as Bolger, was found dead in his home in the San Martin District of Quepos Beach, also in Puntarenas Province.

In January, another U.S. citizen, surnamed Brooks (69) was fatally attacked in his home. A suspect has been arrested, and the Criminal Court has ordered one year of pretrial detention in connection with Brooks’ murder.

The investigations into these cases remain ongoing.