Puerto Rico police have identified a “person of interest” in the execution-style killing of Ohio native Tyler Wilkin, who was found shot dead on a remote beach earlier this month, as the FBI provides technical assistance in the investigation.
Wilkin, 35, originally from Wilmington in Highland County, Ohio, was discovered around 6 a.m. on July 10 by a beachgoer on a morning walk at Playa La Selva in Luquillo, on the northeast coast of the island. He had been camping alone at the remote, forest-isolated site since July 8 after his girlfriend, Iva Mo, dropped him off. Police said he suffered a single gunshot wound to the back of the head at close range.
His body was found some distance from his campsite in the mangroves. Authorities noted that witnesses did not report hearing any gunshots in the sparsely populated area.
In the hours before his death, Wilkin texted friends about a troubling individual near his tent. Around midnight he wrote, “The howler is back!” referring to a man who had been setting off fireworks and howling like a wolf. About two hours later, he sent a final message: “This guy is getting rowdy, LOL.” Those were the last words his loved ones received from him.
Police Superintendent Joseph González confirmed to the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Día that investigators have a person of interest with a connection to the overnight slaying, though the individual has not been classified as a formal suspect. “What I can say is that there is a person of interest,” González said. He added that the FBI is providing technical support and collaboration, while the case remains under local investigation.
Wilkin had moved to Puerto Rico in January 2024 to embrace beach life and outdoor adventures. Friends and family described him as an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved swimming, hiking, fishing, and camping. Mo and others have questioned whether the killing stemmed from a robbery or other dispute, expressing frustration over the pace of the probe.
Loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign to hire a private investigator, stating they are determined to seek the truth and ensure justice for Wilkin. “We lost Tyler far too soon,” the fundraiser reads, emphasizing their commitment to exploring every possible avenue.
The investigation continues, with police citing some leads in the complicated case while urging the public to come forward with any information.
