Paradise Murder: US Tourist Strangled in Dominican

Dominican Republic News

The Paradise Murders: A Dark Secret in Punta Cana

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – What began as a dream vacation turned into a nightmare for a group of American tourists when one of them vanished without a trace. But as investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a web of lies, betrayal, and a killer hiding in plain sight.

The Disappearance

In June 2023, 28-year-old Jessica Morrison arrived in Punta Cana with her boyfriend, Ryan Carter, and another couple for a week of sun, sand, and luxury. The group stayed at an all-inclusive resort, where they spent their days drinking cocktails by the pool and dancing at the resort’s nightclub.

But on the fourth night, Jessica never returned to her room. Ryan claimed they had an argument, and she stormed off—something friends later said was out of character for the usually cheerful woman. When her belongings were found untouched in the hotel safe, local authorities launched a search.

A Shocking Discovery

Days later, a resort maintenance worker made a gruesome discovery: Jessica’s body, partially buried in a secluded area near the beach. An autopsy revealed she had been strangled.

Suspicion immediately fell on Ryan, who had a history of domestic violence back in the U.S. But with no direct evidence, the case stalled—until a breakthrough came from an unlikely source.

The Other Woman

Investigators learned that Ryan had been secretly texting another woman, Mia Soto, a local bartender at the resort. Security footage showed them together the night Jessica disappeared. When questioned, Mia initially denied any involvement but later confessed that Ryan had promised her money to help 'scare' Jessica.

According to Mia, Ryan lured Jessica to a remote part of the resort under the guise of making up after their fight. What started as intimidation turned deadly when Ryan allegedly snapped, strangling Jessica in a fit of rage. Mia claimed she fled in terror, but cellphone records placed her at the scene much longer than she admitted.

A Twisted Plot

Prosecutors argued that Ryan and Mia conspired to kill Jessica, with Ryan motivated by a $200,000 life insurance policy he had taken out on her just months before the trip. Text messages revealed Ryan researching 'how to make a death look like an accident' weeks before their departure.

The Aftermath

Ryan Carter was arrested and extradited to the U.S., where he awaits trial for first-degree murder. Mia Soto, charged as an accomplice, remains in a Dominican prison, fighting extradition.

Jessica’s family has since started a foundation to help other victims of resort violence, warning travelers to 'be aware of who you trust, even in paradise.'

The question remains: How many other vacation romances have turned deadly—and how many killers have walked free under the Caribbean sun?

This case is still ongoing. Updates to follow.

Would you like a deeper dive into any part of this story? I can expand on the investigation, the legal battle, or even similar cases in the region.

Paradise Murder: US Tourist Strangled in Dominican

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