Ohio man could have been lured into deadly Puerto Rico ambush with eerie howling, private investigator says
The family of Tyler Wilkin is exhaustively trying to track down the person responsible for killing him in what was described as an execution-style shooting.
The 35-year-old Ohio native was found shot dead with a gunshot wound to the back of his head while on a camping trip on Playa La Selva in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.
His body was found on July 10.
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Wilkin was born and raised in Ohio, but moved to Puerto Rico in 2024 with his girlfriend.
A fundraiser has been started to raise $30,000 to hire a private investigator to take over Wilkin’s case. A statement posted to the fundraiser said the “funds will help us [Wilkin’s family and friends] cover any and all expenses that may arise during the private investigation. Tyler deserved a full life, and he deserves for every possible avenue to be explored.”
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Luquillo, where Wilkin was found dead, is a city with a significant amount of unsolved violent crime, according to Jamie Copenhaver, a former sheriff’s investigator and private investigator. He has investigated cases in Puerto Rico in his capacity as a law enforcement officer and as a PI.
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Wilkin reportedly sent text messages to his friends concerned about a “howling” noise and what sounded like “fireworks” outside of his tent, FOX 19 reported.
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“The howling struck me as possible stalking behavior,” Copenhaver told Fox News Digital. “If you’re camping and hear those noises in the middle of the night, you’re naturally going to grab a flashlight and investigate. I think it’s possible someone intentionally lured him away from his campsite.”
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He is concerned that investigative efforts of local police may lack essential training and resources required to take on this homicide case.
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“Unlike many police departments in the mainland U.S., agencies there are often overwhelmed by the number of violent crimes they’re investigating. They’re doing their best, but it’s a tremendous workload,” Copenhaver said.
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Copenhaver said Wilkin’s loved ones’ decision to hire a private investigator just makes sense.
In addition to hiring a PI, he said the family should also contact the FBI in San Juan if they have not done so already.
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He said, “I’d ask them to take an interest in the case to make sure every avenue is explored and whoever murdered this young man is brought to justice.”
“At this time, the SJFO is providing technical assistance to PRPD, but this case remains an ongoing local investigative matter,” the FBI said in a statement to Fox News Digital, referring to its San Juan Field Office and the Puerto Rico Police Department. “We will defer to PRPD for any statements or comments but encourage the local public to call in tips and information, through Tips.FBI.Gov, 1-800-CALL-FBI or calling the SJFO at 787-987-6500.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
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