Mystery woman arrested in American's death after manhunt in Costa Rican tourist destination
A woman has been arrested in connection with the death of an American citizen in a tropical beach town popular with tourists in Costa Rica.
In a video statement, Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Agency Deputy Director Vladimir Muñoz said a woman identified as Ortiz was arrested around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in connection with the killing of Fleming, a 74-year-old American who was found dead Sept. 27 at a condominium near the beach.
The incident took place in Playas del Coco, a seaside town in a popular tourist area on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, at 4:50 p.m. on Sept. 27, according to Costa Rican authorities.
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Surveillance footage released by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency shows a woman sought in connection with the homicide of a 74-year-old American in Playas del Coco. (Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Agency)
Muñoz said Fleming met Ortiz online and picked her up near Playas del Coco before driving her to his apartment. The two later got into some type of dispute, during which Ortiz allegedly struck Fleming and caused a fatal head injury, according to Muñoz. She's accused of stealing his bank cards, but it's unknown if they were used.
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A satellite map shows Playas del Coco, a popular tourist destination on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste province. (Maxar and Fox News)
The woman had been on the run until authorities arrested her on Tuesday.
At the time of the alleged homicide, the woman was wearing blue denim shorts, sandals and a white bra that had chain-like accessories on it. She was seen in security video released by police walking down a street with another woman, who has also been arrested.
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A woman sought in connection with an American’s homicide in Playas del Coco appears in surveillance footage released by Costa Rican authorities. (Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Agency)
Muñoz said the arrest was the result of confidential tips that were sent to law enforcement, stating Ortiz was arrested at a house in San Felipe de Alajuelita.
Adam Sabes is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Adam.Sabes@fox.com and on Twitter @asabes10.
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