Costa Rica authorities seek suspect in death of US businessman

The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is searching for a 22-year-old woman, identified by the surname Ortiz, suspected of murdering American businessman Marc Walter Fleming in Guanacaste.

Fleming was found dead on September 27, 2026, in his luxury condominium in Playas del Coco. Investigators believe he was struck in the head with a glass blender jar. Security footage showed Ortiz leaving the building alone approximately two hours after entering with Fleming.

Authorities have arrested Roxana Zeledón Abarca in Desamparados, San José, on suspicion of aiding Ortiz's escape and using the victim's bank cards. Evidence from financial transactions, including purchases in Playas del Coco and Brasilito and hotel payments in Playa Flamingo, helped investigators track the suspects' movements through the Valle Central.