Tyler Wilkin’s family is fervently searching for the individual behind his tragic, execution-style murder.
The 35-year-old, originally from Ohio, was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head while camping at Playa La Selva in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.
His lifeless body was located on July 10.
Tyler Wilkin, at age 35, fell victim to an alleged execution-style gunshot to the head during a camping trip with friends in Puerto Rico. (Lilly Wright, GoFundMe)
Wilkin, born and raised in Ohio, had relocated 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.”
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.
Tyler Wilkin’s body was reportedly discovered by authorities on Playa La Selva in Luquillo, Puerto Rico on July 10. (Getty Images: Swathi Chirra)
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.
“The howling struck me as possible stalking behavior,” Copenhaver told News Media. “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.”
He is concerned that investigative efforts of local police may lack essential training and resources required to take on this homicide case.
A fundraiser was created to hire a private investigator to find out how American Tyler Wilkin ended up shot to death in Puerto Rico. (Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi)
“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.
Tyler Wilkin is survived by his parents and four other siblings. (Lilly Wright, GoFundMe)
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.
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 News Media, 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.”
News Media has reached out to the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.