A brutal crime in paradise
This is the story of Harry Bodaan, owner of a hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, where a vicious rape and murder occurred on July 20, 2020. The leading suspect was quickly arrested, but Harry and a third person were arrested days later based on “bite mark evidence” on the body of the victim.
The murder of Dr. María Luisa Cedeño, head of anesthesiology at Costa Rica’s top hospital, became a national sensation, in part because she was a prominent physician, and in part because Bodaan was one of the best-known foreigners in the country.
Why would a 5-star hotel owner of 20 years suddenly decide to rape and murder a guest that he had never met, and just leave her body there for the staff to find in the morning?
The Murder in Room 3 is the definitive examination of this chilling case, a story that explores the dark corners of justice gone wrong.
About the authors
Harry Bodaan was the longtime owner of La Mansion Inn and president of the Quepos Chamber of Commerce. He was formerly chief of international press clubs in Washington and Moscow, and a friend of presidents, politicians and partners in law enforcement. His arrest for murder came as a shock to everyone who knew him.
Karl Kahler was previously national editor at California’s San Jose Mercury News and travel editor at Costa Rica’s Tico Times. He is the author of Frommer’s Costa Rica 2017 and Manic Dawn: The Strange Adventures of a Mad Father and a Loyal Son.
Sharp, emotional, and impossible to ignore, The Murder in Room 3 delivers both raw insight and redemption, and it stays with you long after the last page.
John Quam
Editor in Chief, Howler Magazine
The Murder in Room 3 is available in English or Spanish, in an e-book or paperback print edition.
