The Judicial Investigation Agency in Costa Rica has apprehended a young woman, who has been referred to in the media as the "bikini killer," in connection with the murder of 72-year-old American businessman Marc Walter Fleming.
A woman was apprehended in the San Felipe de Alajuelita neighborhood of San José following a two-week manhunt by authorities. The high-profile case has garnered significant international interest, largely due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the crime and the pivotal role of security camera footage in identifying the suspect.
The investigation into the death of Fleming began on September 27, when his lifeless body was discovered in an apartment within a condominium in Playa del Coco, a location situated in the Guanacaste province.
A businessman allegedly gained access to Ortiz's property, with security footage indicating the girl remained on the premises for approximately two hours before departing on her own.
Investigations suggest that the American victim may have suffered multiple head injuries caused by being struck with a glass container, allegedly by a liquidator. The specifics of the assault and the suspect's culpability will be determined through the judicial process.
A recent study suggests that bank cards may be used as a potential tool for tracking and monitoring individuals' whereabouts, raising concerns about their potential use as a surveillance device. The study, conducted by a team of researchers, found that by analyzing the location data stored on bank cards, it may be possible to determine an individual's daily routines and movements. The researchers used data from a large sample of bank cards to develop an algorithm that can accurately predict an individual's location based on their card transactions. The study found that the algorithm was able to accurately predict an individual's location 85% of the time, suggesting that bank cards may be a useful tool for tracking and monitoring individuals. The study's findings have sparked concerns about the potential use of bank cards as a surveillance device, particularly in the context of law enforcement and national security. However, the researchers emphasize that their study is purely theoretical and does not involve any actual tracking or monitoring of individuals.
As part of the ongoing investigations, authorities are also looking into the potential misuse of bank cards belonging to Fleming following his death.
Journalistic investigations have utilized data from various commercial establishments and hostel locations in Guanacaste to help recreate the path that the women involved in the case may have taken.
Authorities are examining several locations, including Playa del Coco, Brasilito, Playa Flamingo, and Abangares, prior to the suspects' departure for San José. An investigation is also underway into the alleged theft of valuable items belonging to the entrepreneur.
A person of interest was apprehended in a prior investigation.
Judicial agents in Desamparados, San José, apprehended Roxana Zeledón Abarca on October 16 as part of a judicial operation.
Local media outlets have reported that Zeledón is believed to have assisted Ortiz following the incident, allegedly transporting her from Guanacaste to the capital. Ortiz is currently undergoing the necessary judicial proceedings as the investigation continues.
Initial searches following the incidents were unsuccessful in locating Ortiz, prompting investigators to continue their efforts to determine his whereabouts.
Costa Rican authorities will conduct further investigations to determine the motive behind the crime, establish the circumstances surrounding Fleming's death, and assess the potential involvement of additional individuals.
