The Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) has identified a person of interest in the murder of Tyler Wilkin, a 35-year-old Ohio native found dead in an execution-style shooting on a camping trip in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, on July 10. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed it is providing technical assistance to local authorities while the case remains under investigation by the PRPD.
Wilkin’s family and friends have launched a fundraiser to raise $30,000 for a private investigation into his death. The fundraiser states the goal is to explore all possible avenues to uncover the truth behind the killing.
Core Facts of the Case
Tyler Wilkin, who moved to Puerto Rico in 2024 with his girlfriend, was found with a gunshot wound to the back of his head near Playa La Selva in Luquillo. Local reports indicate the shooting occurred while Wilkin was camping with friends. The PRPD has not publicly named the person of interest but confirmed their involvement in the case.
The FBI’s San Juan Field Office (SJFO) stated in a release that it is assisting the PRPD with technical support but emphasized that the investigation remains a local matter. The agency encouraged the public to submit tips through Tips.FBI.Gov, the 1-800-CALL-FBI hotline, or by contacting the SJFO directly.
Key Details from Investigators and Witnesses
A private investigator and former sheriff’s investigator, Jamie Copenhaver, suggested that Wilkin may have been lured away from his campsite due to reports of howling noises and what sounded like fireworks outside his tent. Copenhaver described the howling as potentially stalking behavior, implying someone may have intentionally drawn Wilkin away from safety.
Wilkin’s friends reported that he sent text messages expressing concern about the noises before his death. The execution-style manner of the shooting has raised questions about the motive and circumstances surrounding the killing.
Ongoing Investigative Efforts
The PRPD has not released further details about the person of interest, including their identity or connection to Wilkin. The fundraiser established by Wilkin’s family aims to cover expenses related to the private investigation, with organizers stating that every possible avenue must be explored to seek justice.
The FBI and PRPD continue to urge the public to provide any information that could assist in the case. Authorities have not ruled out additional suspects or motives at this stage.
Background on the Location
Luquillo, where Wilkin was found, has been noted for unsolved violent crime in recent years. The area’s crime dynamics remain a factor in the investigation, though no direct link has been established between local crime trends and Wilkin’s killing.
Family and Community Response
Wilkin’s family has expressed determination to pursue all available leads. The fundraiser’s statement emphasized that Tyler deserved justice and that the investigation must be thorough. Friends and supporters have shared condolences and calls for accountability in the wake of the tragedy.