Supermarket purchases and a hotel stay allegedly paid for with a dead American’s credit cards have given investigators new leads in the search for a woman suspected in his killing in Playas del Coco. The transactions reportedly included purchases at supermarkets in Playas del Coco and Brasilito, lodging at a hotel in Flamingo and food bought at a small store in Abangares.
Investigators believe the woman later went to San José. The purchases have helped authorities reconstruct part of her movements after she left the condominium where the victim was found. The findings add detail to the investigation into the death of a 74-year-old American in Playas del Coco on September 27. Investigators had been examining whether the victim’s bank cards were stolen and subsequently used. The latest information identifies several locations where those purchases allegedly occurred.
The victim, identified by his last name Fleming, entered a condominium in Sardinal de Carrillo with the woman at approximately 4:50 p.m. She left sometime later. His body was subsequently discovered with head injuries believed to have been caused by blunt objects. Fleming was reportedly a retired businessman who had been living in Playas del Coco, one of Guanacaste’s busiest beach communities.
The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), released surveillance footage on the 12th as part of a public appeal to identify the woman. Investigators described her as light-skinned and slim, with black hair, standing approximately 1.60 meters, or 5 feet 3 inches. At the time, she was wearing sandals, blue denim shorts and a white bra-style top with chain-like details across the front. Security footage captured her movements, providing investigators with images to circulate publicly.
Anyone who recognizes the woman or has information that could help investigators identify or locate her can contact the OIJ’s confidential tip line at 800-800-0645.
