Costa Rica Resort Searched Again in Ongoing Investigation of Miller Gardner's Death
Authorities conducted a second search operation at the Costa Rican resort where Miller Gardner was discovered deceased earlier this year, and Us Weekly has obtained exclusive details regarding the event.
“A subsequent search was executed to gather evidence that is either still outstanding or deemed essential by the Prosecutor's Office for the ongoing inquiry,” Kenneth Alberto Álvarez Barboza, Prosecutor of Quepos, exclusively informed Us on Thursday, September 11, the very day the raid took place.
Miller, the younger son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, died at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio back in March. He was 14 years old at the time.
The initial examination of the hotel was carried out in March, with the objective of taking “measurements of toxic substances” found within the accommodations occupied by the Gardner family.
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Miller’s death was determined to be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning while he was on vacation in Costa Rica with his father, his mother, Jessica, and his older brother, Hunter.
“The efforts [on September 11] concentrated on collecting digital artifacts as well as physical documents and other materials that could assist the Prosecutor’s Office in further developing its investigative hypothesis and ascertain if any individual(s) might be responsible for the minor’s passing,” Álvarez Barboza clarified.
Among the digital items confiscated were “computers, electronic devices containing recorded information, routine monitoring logs, work order records, and other related materials.”
"Since the investigation commenced on March 21, we have uncovered significant pieces of evidence that have prompted us to conduct two operations and collect various types of evidence—digital, documentary, testimonial, and more," added Álvarez Barboza.
As part of their inquiry, both the Prosecutor’s Office and the Judicial Police “must ascertain if there was any intentional or negligent involvement by the hotel or any other location where the minor might have been exposed to harmful substances.”
Álvarez Barboza mentioned that interviews “within that line of investigation, aimed at gathering evidence” were conducted with individuals at the resort, but he reiterated that “no suspects have been identified.”
“The investigation has not been focused on any specific individual,” the prosecutor stated. “Our sole objective is to gather the necessary evidence and information.”
As the investigation progresses, the Gardner family has been kept fully informed of every new development.
“We understand that the family engaged a law firm here in Costa Rica, and it is through them that they have received updates,” Álvarez Barboza explained. “Throughout the course of the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office has maintained consistent communication with them and has kept them informed about the investigative procedures in the case, in which they are recognized as victims.”
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Us Weekly has reached out to the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort for a statement.
The Gardner family announced Miller’s death on March 23 in a press release issued by the Yankees organization.
“With profound sorrow, we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has departed from us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” the statement conveyed.
The family continued, “Miller was a beloved son and brother, and we cannot yet comprehend our lives without his radiant smile. He adored football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family, and his friends. He truly embraced life to the fullest every single day.”
