A woman has been arrested in connection with the death of a 74-year-old American in Playas del Coco, a tropical beach town popular with tourists in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Agency Deputy Director Vladimir Muñoz said in a video statement that a woman identified as Ortiz was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. She is accused in the killing of Fleming, who was found dead Sept. 27 at a condominium near the beach.
Costa Rican authorities said the incident occurred at approximately 4:50 p.m. in Playas del Coco, a seaside community on the country’s northern Pacific coast that draws visitors from around the world.
Surveillance footage released by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency shows a woman wanted in connection with the homicide of a 74-year-old American in Playas del Coco. (Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Agency)
According to Muñoz, Fleming met Ortiz online and picked her up near Playas del Coco before taking her to his apartment. The pair later became involved in a dispute, during which Ortiz allegedly struck Fleming, causing a fatal head injury. She is also accused of taking his bank cards, though authorities have not said whether the cards were used.
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A satellite map identifies Playas del Coco, a popular tourist destination on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste province. (Maxar and Fox News)
Ortiz remained at large until authorities arrested her Tuesday.
At the time of the alleged homicide, Ortiz was wearing blue denim shorts, sandals and a white bra with chain-like accessories. Police-released security footage shows her walking down a street with another woman, who has also been arrested.
A woman wanted in connection with the homicide of an American in Playas del Coco appears in surveillance footage released by Costa Rican authorities. (Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Agency)
Muñoz said investigators received confidential tips that led them to Ortiz. She was arrested at a home in San Felipe de Alajuelita.
