Tyler Wilkin’s loved ones are urgently searching for answers after he was killed in what has been described as an execution-style shooting.
Wilkin, a 35-year-old originally from Ohio, was discovered dead from a gunshot wound to the back of the head during a camping trip at Playa La Selva in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.
Authorities found his body on July 10.
Tyler Wilkin, 35, was reportedly shot in the head in an alleged execution-style killing while camping with friends in Puerto Rico. (Lilly Wright, GoFundMe)
Raised in Ohio, Wilkin had relocated to Puerto Rico in 2024 with his girlfriend before his death.
In an effort to push the case forward, family and friends have launched a fundraiser seeking $30,000 to hire a private investigator. A message on the fundraising page says the money will go toward “any and all expenses” connected to the independent investigation, adding that “Tyler deserved a full life, and he deserves for every possible avenue to be explored.”
Luquillo, the coastal city where Wilkin was found, has struggled with a notable number of unresolved violent crimes, according to Jamie Copenhaver, a former sheriff’s investigator and private investigator who has worked cases in Puerto Rico both in law enforcement and as a PI.
Authorities reportedly found Tyler Wilkin’s body on July 10 at Playa La Selva in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. (Getty Images: Swathi Chirra)
Wilkin reportedly sent text messages to his friends concerned about a “howling” noise and what sounded like “fireworks” outside of his tent, FOX 19 reported.
“The howling struck me as possible stalking behavior,” Copenhaver told News Outlet. “If you’re camping and hear those noises in the middle of the night, you’re naturally going to grab a flashlight and investigate. I think it’s possible someone intentionally lured him away from his campsite.”
He is concerned that investigative efforts of local police may lack essential training and resources required to take on this homicide case.
A fundraiser was created to hire a private investigator to find out how American Tyler Wilkin ended up shot to death in Puerto Rico. (Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi)
“Unlike many police departments in the mainland U.S., agencies there are often overwhelmed by the number of violent crimes they’re investigating. They’re doing their best, but it’s a tremendous workload,” Copenhaver said.
Tyler Wilkin is survived by his parents and four other siblings. (Lilly Wright, GoFundMe)
Copenhaver said Wilkin’s loved ones’ decision to hire a private investigator just makes sense.
In addition to hiring a PI, he said the family should also contact the FBI in San Juan if they have not done so already.
He said, “I’d ask them to take an interest in the case to make sure every avenue is explored and whoever murdered this young man is brought to justice.”
“At this time, the SJFO is providing technical assistance to PRPD, but this case remains an ongoing local investigative matter,” the FBI said in a statement to News Outlet, referring to its San Juan Field Office and the Puerto Rico Police Department. “We will defer to PRPD for any statements or comments but encourage the local public to call in tips and information, through Tips.FBI.Gov , 1-800-CALL-FBI, or calling the SJFO at 787-987-6500.”
News Outlet has reached out to the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
