U.S. expat stabbed to death in his home near Tres Puentes

A U.S. citizen, identified as Henry Dricker Riley, died of stab wounds Monday night in his home on Av. 27 de Febrero, near Tres Puentes. Friends and neighbors say the victim went by the name of Steve Riley.

The crime scene on Av. 27 de Febrero.

Police say that Riley, 64, received at least 25 stab wounds and died at the scene.

The suspected murderer, an Ecuadorian who neighbors said may have lived with Riley, was apprehended at Vicente Moscoso Corral Hospital where he was being treated for injuries. Police say the injuries may have been the result of cuts suffered when he scaled a fence in front of Riley’s house, or of an altercation with Riley.

Police say that the suspect is being held for questioning had not been formally arrested.

Neighbors reported hearing knocks on Riley’s door, then a heated argument followed by screams. The suspect was then seen fleeing the scene, they say, after throwing an object into the Yanuncay River, opposite Riley’s house.

An expat acquaintance said Riley was devoted to his dogs, who he took for long walks on the Yanuncay, and to physical fitness. “Steve was a body builder and was a fixture in gyms around town,” the acquaintance said.

Riley’s body was undergoing an autopsy Tuesday at the regional forensic center.

Police, who are interrogating the suspect, say they have not ruled out theft as well as personal motives for the murder. The search continues for the murder weapon, presumed to be a knife.

Photo credit: El Tiempo