Arrests Made in Case of American Airlines Flight Attendant Killed in Colombia

Authorities arrested two men connected to the killing of Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, an American Airlines flight attendant, during a layover in Colombia. The suspects are allegedly tied to a gang that targets tourists.

Arrests and Charges
Andrés Felipe Peña Corrales, 23, and William Olave Gamboa, 31, were detained in Peru. They face charges in Colombia for the alleged murder of Gutierrez Molina in March. Peña Corrales is already in Colombia, while Olave Gamboa awaits extradition. Both are charged with aggravated homicide and robbery.

A third suspect, María del Carmen González, 24, was arrested in Montería, Colombia. She allegedly assisted the group in moving money stolen from foreign tourists but wasn’t directly involved in the killing.

Details of the Crime
Colombian police link the suspects to Los Goteros, a criminal organization. The group is accused of targeting tourists through dating apps, using drugs to incapacitate them, and stealing their belongings. Gutierrez Molina reportedly met the suspects via a dating app and later joined them at a Medellín nightclub.

The group allegedly drugged Gutierrez Molina and his coworker, robbing them in a hotel.

It is believed that a drug called scopolamine might have been used. Gutierrez Molina was strangled, while his coworker survived. The suspects accessed his bank accounts and left his body near Jericó, found five days later.

International Cooperation
The arrests followed an international investigation involving U.S. Homeland Security, Colombian prosecutors, and Peruvian authorities.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombia praised the joint efforts, emphasizing the commitment to bring the suspects to justice and protect international travelers.

The Mayor’s Office of Medellín, Colombia’s National Police, and Peru’s National Police were recognized for their contributions to the investigation.

Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate whether more tourists were targeted by Los Goteros using similar methods. Gutierrez Molina’s disappearance during an overnight layover in Medellín led to an intense search.

American Airlines expressed grief over the loss of their colleague, offering support to his family and cooperating with Colombian authorities in the investigation.