Arrested after surf star died in robbery report, girlfriend becomes suspect in murder investigation
Arrests in Van Dyke’s Death
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency confirmed to Teletica that two people had been arrested in connection with Van Dyke’s death. One is a 31-year-old woman identified only as Arroyo, who authorities say had a close relationship with him.
Vladimir Muñoz, the OIJ’s acting deputy director general, told Diario Extra that investigators had established Arroyo’s involvement. The agency is searching for two other people in connection with the crime.
Reports of a Home Invasion
Initial reports said two men broke into the home, with at least one carrying a weapon. They allegedly stole a vehicle and other belongings while threatening Van Dyke and his girlfriend.
A Renowned Costa Rican Surfer
Van Dyke was known as the “King of Salsa Brava,” a name tied to his skill on waves off Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Before his death, he owned and ran Hotel Puerto Viejo, a hostel for surfers in Costa Rica.
Key points
- Two people have been arrested in connection with Van Dyke’s death, including his 31-year-old girlfriend.
- The OIJ is searching for two other people linked to the crime.
- Van Dyke was found under his bed with signs of strangulation and stab wounds.