American Murdered in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica While Relaxing on Beach

[Jeff Dunsavage]

This just in from A.M. Costa Rica. I wish there would be more media attention to these cases, or some kind of follow-up. One murder and 2 disappearance of North Americans since July. Second U.S. citizen (that we know of) this year -- John Scibek of Massachussetts was killed and left in the middle of a road near his home in Play Portrero in January. Seven occurrences in the country since March 2009 (when we started counting). Approximately 15 disappearances in the region during the same period. No meaningful media interest, still less attention from the missing and murdered people's home governments.

Puerto Viejo visitor slain

while relaxing on beach

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff A 65-year-old U.S. citizen visiting Puerto Viejo de Limón on the Caribbean coast met his death Thursday morning when someone shot him as he relaxed on Playa Cocles there. The man was identified by the last name of Edelson. He was believed to have been shot in the back of the head. Judicial agents inspected the scene and the body

was to be taken to the judicial morgue. Officers said they did not think that the crime was a robbery. Agents are trying to check into the man's background to see what relationship he had with the area. He had been staying at a nearby hotel. Such a crime suggests either that the murder was planned or that the criminal was faced with a wave of panic after he committed the murder.