Costa Rican Investigators Search for Two Intruders in Killing of Surfer Kurt Van Dyke

Overview

• Police say two armed men entered Van Dyke’s apartment around 10:50 a.m. Saturday in Cahuita, bound his 31-year-old girlfriend, and fled with belongings including a 2013 Hyundai Elantra.
• Investigators report the 66-year-old Californian was killed with signs of strangulation and multiple stab wounds.
• The girlfriend survived the home invasion without serious physical injuries, according to local reports.
• No arrests have been made as investigators analyze surveillance footage and testimonies and continue the search for suspects.
• Van Dyke was a longtime resident who owned Hotel Puerto Viejo and was known as “King” in surf circles, and local tourism leaders voiced concern about the region’s safety image.