A second raid was conducted at the Costa Rican resort where Miller Gardner was found dead earlier this year — and Us Weekly has the exclusive details.
“A second search was carried out to collect evidence that is still missing or that the Prosecutor’s Office considers necessary for the investigation,” Kenneth Alberto Álvarez Barboza, Prosecutor of Quepos, exclusively told Us on Thursday, September 11, the same day as the raid.
Miller, the youngest son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, died at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio in March. He was 14 years old.
The first raid of the hotel was conducted in March, which aimed at taking “measurements of toxic substances” found in the rooms where the Gardner family was staying.
Miller was ruled to have died by carbon monoxide poisoning while vacationing in Costa Rica with his father, his mother, Jessica, and his older brother, Hunter.
“The efforts [on September 11] focused on collecting digital evidence as well as physical documents and other materials that could help the Prosecutor’s Office continue developing its investigative theory and determine whether any individual(s) may be responsible for the minor’s death,” Álvarez Barboza explained.
Among the digital evidence seized were “computers, electronic devices containing recorded information, routine control logs, work order documents and other related materials.”
“Since the investigation began on March 21 we have found important pieces of evidence that have led us to conduct two operations and collect various types of evidence—digital, documentary, testimonial, and more,” added Álvarez Barboza.
As part of the investigation, both the Prosecutor’s Office and the Judicial Police “need to determine whether there was any intentional or negligent involvement by the hotel or any other place where the minor may have come into contact with harmful substances.”
Álvarez Barboza said interviews “within that line of investigation, aimed at gathering evidence” were conducted with individuals at the resort, but maintained “no suspects have been identified.”
“The investigation has not been directed toward any individual,” the prosecutor said. “We are solely focused on collecting the necessary evidence and information.”
As the investigation continues, the Gardner family has been kept abreast of every development.
“We understand that the family hired a law firm here in Costa Rica, and it is through them that they have received information,” Álvarez Barboza said. “Throughout the progress of the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office has maintained constant communication with them and has kept them informed about the investigative procedures in the case, in which they are recognized as victims.”
Us Weekly has reached out to the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort for comment.
The Gardner family announced Miller’s death on March 23 in a statement released by the Yankees.
“With heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” the statement read.
The family continued, “Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
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