The family of Tyler Wilkin, a 35-year-old Ohio native who moved to Puerto Rico earlier this year, is seeking to hire a private investigator to probe his death. Wilkin was found shot in the back of the head, in what authorities described as an execution-style killing, on July 10 while camping with friends at Playa La Selva in Luquillo.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to raise $30,000 to fund the investigation, with organizers stating the money will cover expenses to explore every possible avenue in the case. Wilkin's family is also being advised to contact the FBI's San Juan Field Office for assistance.
According to reports, Wilkin sent text messages to friends expressing concern about noises outside his tent that sounded like "howling" and "fireworks." Jamie Copenhaver, a former sheriff's investigator and private investigator, suggested this could indicate stalking behavior, potentially luring Wilkin away from his campsite.
Copenhaver noted that police agencies in Puerto Rico are often overwhelmed by high volumes of violent crime, which can strain their resources and training capacity for complex homicide cases. The FBI's San Juan Field Office has stated it is providing technical assistance to the Puerto Rico Police Department, but the case remains a local investigation. The FBI encourages the public to submit tips through its website or by calling its San Juan office.
Luquillo, the area where Wilkin was found, is known to have a significant amount of unsolved violent crime, according to Copenhaver. While local police are investigating, the family's decision to hire a private investigator reflects a desire for dedicated resources and expertise to pursue justice for Wilkin.