Costa Rican authorities are hunting a mystery woman after a 74-year-old American was found dead with head injuries at a beachside condominium.
The victim, identified only as “Fleming,” entered a unit in Playas del Coco at 4:50 p.m. On Sept. 27, according to the Judicial Investigation Agency, Costa Rica’s equivalent of the FBI. The seaside town sits on the country’s northern Pacific coast in a region popular with tourists.
The woman was allegedly seen leaving the condo without him. Authorities later located Fleming’s body, which had injuries officials said were likely caused by blunt objects.
Police have released security footage showing the suspect walking down a street with another woman. They have described her as having a fair complexion, slender build, black hair, and a height of approximately 1.60 meters, or about 5 feet 3 inches.
At the time of the alleged homicide, she was wearing blue denim shorts, sandals, and a white bra with chain-like accessories.
The agency is asking anyone with information about the incident or the woman’s identity to contact 800-800-0645.
The case has drawn attention to safety concerns in one of Central America’s most visited coastal destinations. Playas del Coco, located in Guanacaste province, has long attracted American retirees and vacationers with its beaches and warm climate.
The Judicial Investigation Agency has not publicly identified the second woman seen in the released footage or clarified what role, if any, she may have played in the events leading to Fleming’s death.
Fleming’s full name has not been released by Costa Rican officials, and no details about his background or reason for being in the country have been made public.
The State Department has not yet commented on the case.