Overview
- Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organization and national police say they answered a 10:50 a.m. Saturday call in the Cahuita/Hone Creek area and found Van Dyke, 66, under a bed with a sheet over his face, showing signs of asphyxiation and multiple stab wounds.
- A 31-year-old woman identified as Arroyo told authorities two armed men forced the pair into a room, zip‑tied her, assaulted her, and stole valuables before Van Dyke was killed.
- Officials said the suspects fled in two vehicles, including a 2013 Hyundai Elantra taken from the property, and investigators are analyzing CCTV footage.
- No arrests have been announced as the case remains open, and Van Dyke’s body has been sent to the forensic morgue for a definitive determination of cause and manner of death.
- The killing has shaken Puerto Viejo’s tourism community; local leaders expressed sorrow and urged viewing the case as isolated, while Van Dyke’s brother said the U.S. Embassy is in contact with the family.