QUEPOS, Costa Rica — Costa Rican authorities mentioned it might take as much as three months to find out what killed the 14-year-old son of former Yankee Brett Gardner — as a result of a surge in murders within the Central American magnificence spot has overwhelmed coroners.
The Judicial Investigations Police within the Central American nation mentioned outcomes of toxicology, histology and neuropathology exams for Miller Gardner might be delayed “due to the high demand for autopsies being performed in the country due to the increase in homicides.”
Costa Rica’s murder price hit an all-time excessive of 17.3 per 100,000 folks in 2023, elevating fears within the common vacationer vacation spot, the English-language outlet Tico Occasions reported.
The spike in violence, which noticed greater than 900 killings within the nation of 5.1 million folks, is tied to an ongoing gang conflict — with immigrant teams preventing over drug trafficking territory, in accordance with Cronkite Information.
The murders have even prompted a journey alert from the US State Division in December.
“Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime,” the alert mentioned. “Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, also affects tourists.”
Resorts just like the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort at Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park the place the Gardners stayed stays comparatively secure, and lots of lodges have safety guards on responsibility.
However the US “Level 2” alert urges vacationers to train “increased caution” whereas within the nation.
Costa Rica’s homicide price continues to be beneath many main American cities. Chicago, as an illustration, had a price of 20 killings per 100,000 folks in 2024. (New York Metropolis’s murder price was 4.5 per 100,000 final 12 months.)
Nevertheless, the spate of killing has Costa Rican coroners working additional time to maintain up, which suggests Miller Gardner’s case is now on a ready record, officers mentioned.
Brett and Jessica Gardner, and their sons Miller and Hunter, had been vacationing on the seaside resort when Miller was discovered useless in his mattress on Friday morning after turning into sick the evening earlier than.
Authorities initially believed the teenager died from asphyxiation on account of meals poisoning, however dominated that out this week and now suspect it was an allergic response to treatment he was given by a resort physician.
Brett Gardner, 41, manned the outfield for the Bronx Bombers for 14 years till his retirement after the 2021 season, and was a member of the Yankees’ 2009 World Collection championship group.
