Authorities have arrested two men accused of drugging and murdering an American Airlines flight attendant during a layover in Colombia. The suspects are allegedly linked to a gang that targets tourists.
AndrĂ©s Felipe Peña Corrales, 23, and William Olave Gamboa, 31, were apprehended in Peru in relation to the March murder of 32-year-old Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a Dallas-based flight attendant. His disappearance in MedellĂn prompted an international search.
Peña Corrales has been transferred to Colombia to face charges, while Olave Gamboa remains in Peru awaiting extradition. Both men are facing charges of aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery in Colombia, according to officials.
A third suspect, MarĂa del Carmen González, 24, was arrested separately in MonterĂa, Colombia. Investigators claim she was not directly involved in the killing but helped withdraw and move money stolen from foreign victims as part of the gang’s operations.
Colombian police have identified the three suspects as alleged members of Los Goteros, a criminal organization accused of targeting foreign tourists by connecting with them through dating apps, earning their trust, drugging them, and stealing money, jewelry, and other valuables.
As reported by El Colombiano, investigators suspect Gutierrez Molina was contacted via a dating app before meeting several people at a nightclub in MedellĂn’s El Poblado neighborhood.
The group reportedly moved to a hotel where Gutierrez Molina and a coworker were allegedly drugged, their belongings stolen, and their financial accounts accessed, according to the outlet.
The outlet also suggested that scopolamine, known as “Devil’s Breath” or “Dragon’s Breath,” might have been used to incapacitate the victims, though authorities have not publicly confirmed toxicology results in the case.
Gutierrez Molina was reportedly strangled, while his coworker survived.
Investigators allege the group accessed Gutierrez Molina’s bank accounts, stole valuables, and abandoned his body near JericĂł, southwest of MedellĂn, where it was discovered five days later.
The arrests concluded a months-long international investigation involving US Homeland Security Investigations, Colombian prosecutors, and Peruvian authorities.
“This successful outcome reflects the strong commitment of the United States, Colombia, and Peru to work together to investigate and bring to justice a group of criminals in Colombia dedicated to the robbery and theft of US citizens and ensure the safety of international travelers in the region,” the US Embassy in Colombia stated.
The embassy also commended the efforts of the Mayor’s Office of MedellĂn, Colombia’s National Police, and Peru’s National Police in the investigation.
Friends told local media that Gutierrez Molina shared his location from an Airbnb near JosĂ© MarĂa CĂłrdova International Airport before communication suddenly stopped, leading coworkers and family to report him missing.
Days later, MedellĂn Mayor Federico GutiĂ©rrez announced that authorities had found a body near JericĂł, which was later identified as Gutierrez Molina.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our colleague,” American Airlines expressed in a statement previously given to Fox News Digital.
“Our thoughts and support are with his family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time, and we are doing all we can to assist Colombian law enforcement in its investigation.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate whether additional foreign tourists were victimized by Los Goteros using the same alleged scheme.
