Costa Rican police are asking the public for help identifying a woman they are seeking in the death of a 74-year-old American man inside a condominium in Playas del Coco, one of Guanacaste’s busiest beach towns. The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) has identified the victim only by his surname, Fleming. He was found dead with head injuries that investigators believe were caused by blunt objects.
According to the OIJ’s Liberia regional office, Fleming entered the condominium in Sardinal de Carrillo with a woman at about 4:50 p.m. on September 27. The woman left alone sometime later, and his body was found in the home hours afterward. The OIJ made its appeal public on Monday, more than two weeks after the death, and released security camera footage showing the woman.
Investigators describe her as light-skinned and slim, with black hair, and about 1.60 meters (5 feet 3 inches) tall. On the day of the incident, she was wearing sandals, blue denim shorts and a white bra-style top with chain-like details on the front. Street security cameras show a vehicle parking nearby and the woman getting out of the front passenger seat, according to information released by authorities. Investigators believe she later traveled toward San José, where they suspect she lives.
Preliminary information from the OIJ indicates investigators are examining whether the man’s credit cards were taken and used as a possible motive. Neighbors reportedly heard screams coming from the home. Local reports from the areas describe Fleming as a retired businessman who had lived in Playas del Coco for some time. Authorities have not released his full name.
No arrests have been reported. The woman is considered a suspect, but she has not been identified or charged. Anyone with information about the case can contact the OIJ confidentially at 800-8000-645.
