Q COSTA RICA — Authorities in Costa Rica are investigating the killing of Marc Walter Fleming, a 74-year-old U.S. citizen who had lived in the coastal community of Playas del Coco, in Guanacaste province.
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) said the crime occurred on the afternoon of Sept. 27 inside the condominium where Fleming lived in Playas del Coco, a community in the Sardinal district of Carrillo. Investigators later found his body with apparent head injuries believed to have been caused by a blunt object.
A blender glass may have been used as the weapon. The suspect allegedly fled the scene.
Police are seeking a woman who is considered a suspect in the case. OIJ investigators said Fleming entered the condominium with the woman, who later left the property. Authorities have released video footage showing the woman and are asking the public for information that could help identify and locate her.
Fleming was a retired businessman who had moved to the Playas del Coco area in search of a “quiet, relaxed life” after leaving the United States, according to information cited by La Teja.
His relationship with the woman remains under investigation.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect or confirmed details about her connection to Fleming.
The OIJ is urging anyone who recognizes the woman or has information about the case to contact its confidential hotline at 800-800-0645.
Read more: Suspect in Killing American in Playas del Coco Left Trail by Using His Credit Cards
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A retired U.S. citizen who moved to Costa Rica seeking a “quiet, relaxed life” is dead after what authorities are calling a brutal attack inside his own luxury condominium in Playas del Coco.
The victim was identified as Marc Walter Fleming, 74. According to the OIJ, the Judicial Investigation Organization, Fleming invited a young woman described as an alleged “lady of the house” to his condo. She had reportedly traveled from the Central Valley area, possibly San José.
Investigators say the woman allegedly struck Fleming on the head during an encounter inside the residence. Reports indicate a blender glass may have been used as a weapon. The suspect then fled the scene.
As of now, the OIJ is conducting a nationwide search for the woman, who remains at large and is considered a person of interest in Fleming’s homicide.
A Growing Concern in Tourist Zones
The case has shaken Playas del Coco, a popular beach town in Guanacaste known for expats and tourists. Local residents and expat groups are asking the same question: has the area become riskier for older foreigners living alone?
Costa Rica markets itself heavily on eco-tourism and adventure, but authorities and health officials have long warned about another side of tourism. A significant portion of visitors contribute to the sex tourism market.
Public health data also shows Costa Rica faces challenges with sexual health. The country has reported one of the highest rates of STDs in Central America in recent regional health reports, which officials link to party tourism, and lack of consistent prevention outreach in high-traffic zones like Guanacaste and Jaco.
This is not the first time authorities have warned about targeted and violent crimes involving tourists and retirees. The U.S. State Department currently lists Costa Rica under a questionable Level 2 Travel Advisory when in reality, it’s the most dangerous country in Central America.

If you are a resident or visitor, pexercise caution, meet people in public places first, and report suspicious activity.
No officials have released further details about a motive and the investigation is ongoing.
If you have information about the suspect, contact the OIJ directly..