Cops release new details in murder of surfer Kurt Van Dyke

Costa Rican officials have divulged significant information regarding the suspected murder of Kurt Van Dyke, a Californian from a well-known surfing lineage.

According to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), Van Dyke was taken hostage by at least two intruders who breached his residence over the weekend. These suspects, armed with a gun, confined the surfer and his girlfriend in a room for a duration while they looted the property.

“It seems they took the man’s life before fleeing. The woman was not gravely harmed, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” authorities informed The California Post.

The incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. in the Cahuita area of Talamanca, located in Limón province, when law enforcement responded to a report concerning a man’s death on Saturday, referred to as FEN 114.

“The victim has been identified as Van Dyke, a 66-year-old U.S. citizen,” officials stated.

Preliminary findings suggest the cause of death was asphyxiation, and Van Dyke also suffered multiple stab wounds, authorities confirmed. The investigation is ongoing.

The body was sent to the Forensic Morgue, where the exact cause and manner of death will be determined. According to the victim’s brother, the U.S. embassy is exploring arrangements to repatriate the remains.

Authorities said Van Dyke’s body was found under his bed, covered with a sheet, with a knife placed next to his head. His 31-year-old girlfriend was reportedly zip-tied and beaten before the armed intruders made off with the valuables, including the couple’s car.

His brother, Peter Van Dyke, previously told The Post he suspects there is more to the killing than first reported, adding he had spoken to his younger brother just a few days ago and said he was “in good spirits.”

While he knew of a girlfriend, he didn’t know much about her and warned there were people in the area “who did not like him.”

“There are people who like him and there are people who don’t. It was more nefarious.”

Kurt had several business partners in the region after moving to Costa Rica in the mid-1980s, according to his brother.


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