Puerto Rico police have identified a person of interest in the execution-style killing of Tyler Wilkin, a 35-year-old man from Ohio, who was found shot dead on July 10. Wilkin had been camping in Playa La Selva, near Luquillo, on the island's northern coast.
According to his girlfriend, Iva Mo, Wilkin's last communication was a text message sent on the night he died. He told a friend he could hear a man "howling" outside his tent for the second consecutive night. Mo stated that Wilkin had previously mentioned hearing eerie noises and what sounded like fireworks on July 9, and then later that night, "The howler is back," before adding, "Oh, this guy is getting rowdy lol." Wilkin was discovered dead hours later, approximately five minutes from his campsite.
Police Superintendent Joseph Gonzalez confirmed the existence of a person of interest to El Nuevo Dia on Thursday, noting that the investigation faces complexities due to the secluded nature of the area but that leads are being pursued. The Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) is receiving technical assistance from the FBI's San Juan Field Office, although the case remains a local investigation. An FBI spokesperson encouraged the public to submit any relevant tips.
Wilkin, an Ohio native, had moved to Puerto Rico in January 2024 and was described by Mo as a central figure in his community. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. Prior to his death, Wilkin had organized a group camping trip to a familiar and previously safe location. Mo last saw him on July 8 when she dropped him off at Playa la Selva to secure a campsite for the upcoming weekend. He was equipped with camping gear, including a pocket knife and a machete.
The family of Tyler Wilkin has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to fund a private investigator, stating on the page, "We lost Tyler far too soon, and the grief left behind is impossible to put into words." They are determined to uncover the truth and ensure justice for Wilkin.