Two men accused of killing American Airlines flight attendant Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina during a layover in Colombia have been arrested in Peru, authorities said. A third suspect was arrested separately in Colombia in connection with the alleged theft operation. Investigators say the suspects were linked to Los Goteros, a criminal group accused of targeting foreign tourists through dating apps. The case followed a months-long investigation involving authorities in the United States, Colombia and Peru.
Gutierrez Molina, 32, disappeared in March after arriving in Medellín for an overnight stop before a scheduled flight to Miami. Authorities allege he was drugged, robbed and strangled after meeting people at a nightclub and later going to a hotel. His coworker, who was reportedly with him, survived.
| 1) | Arrests follow an international investigation |
| 2) | Authorities outline the alleged tourist-targeting scheme |
| 3) | The flight attendant’s disappearance and death |
| 4) | Suspects face homicide and robbery charges |
| 5) | Officials investigate possible additional victims |
Arrests follow an international investigation
Andrés Felipe Peña Corrales, 23, and William Olave Gamboa, 31, were captured in Peru months after Gutierrez Molina’s death, according to authorities. Peña Corrales has been transferred to Colombia to face the investigation, while Olave Gamboa remains in Peruvian custody as extradition proceedings continue. The arrests resulted from cooperation among U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Colombian prosecutors and police, and Peruvian authorities.
A third suspect, María del Carmen González, 24, was arrested in Montería, Colombia. Investigators allege that González was not directly involved in the killing but helped withdraw and move money taken from foreign victims. Authorities have identified the three suspects as alleged members of Los Goteros.
Authorities outline the alleged tourist-targeting scheme
Colombian police say Los Goteros allegedly approached foreign tourists through dating applications, built trust and then arranged meetings. Investigators allege that victims were drugged before their money, jewelry and other valuables were taken. The group also allegedly gained access to victims’ financial accounts after the encounters.
Investigators believe Gutierrez Molina was contacted through a dating app before meeting several people at a nightclub in Medellín’s El Poblado neighborhood. The group allegedly later went to a hotel, where Gutierrez Molina and his coworker were drugged and robbed. Reports have raised the possibility that scopolamine, sometimes known as “Devil’s Breath” or “Dragon’s Breath,” was used, but authorities have not publicly confirmed toxicology results.
The flight attendant’s disappearance and death
Gutierrez Molina, who was based in Dallas, disappeared during an overnight layover in Medellín in March 2026. Friends told local media that he shared his location from an Airbnb near José María Córdova International Airport before communication stopped. His coworkers and relatives then reported him missing.
Investigators allege that his accounts and possessions were accessed after the hotel encounter. His body was reportedly abandoned near Jericó, southwest of Medellín, and recovered five days later. Authorities later confirmed that the remains belonged to Gutierrez Molina. Investigators say he was strangled, while the coworker survived the alleged attack.
Suspects face homicide and robbery charges
Peña Corrales and Olave Gamboa face charges in Colombia including aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery, according to authorities. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case has required coordination across three countries because the alleged crime occurred in Colombia, the suspects were arrested in Peru, and the victim was a U.S. citizen working for an American airline. Colombian authorities are handling the criminal case, while Peruvian officials oversee the custody and extradition process involving Olave Gamboa.
Officials investigate possible additional victims
Authorities are examining whether other foreign tourists were targeted using the same alleged method. The investigation is focused on the group’s contacts with visitors, the movement of stolen funds and possible links to other incidents in Medellín and elsewhere in Colombia.
U.S., Colombian and Peruvian officials said their cooperation was intended to bring those responsible to justice and improve the safety of international travelers. Medellín’s mayoral office and national police agencies in Colombia and Peru also received recognition for their roles in the investigation. American Airlines previously said it was supporting Gutierrez Molina’s family, loved ones and colleagues while assisting Colombian law enforcement.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two men were arrested in Peru and a third suspect was arrested in Colombia. |
| 2 | The victim was a 32-year-old Dallas-based American Airlines flight attendant. |
| 3 | Investigators linked the suspects to Los Goteros, which allegedly targeted tourists through dating apps. |
| 4 | The suspects face aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery charges in Colombia. |
| 5 | Authorities are checking whether additional foreign tourists were victimized. |
Summary
The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation into Gutierrez Molina’s death, but legal proceedings and the extradition process are still underway. Authorities continue to examine the alleged organization’s activities, including whether it was responsible for other attacks on foreign visitors. The case also highlights the cross-border law enforcement response required when suspects, victims and evidence span multiple countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the case?
Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old Dallas-based American Airlines flight attendant, was killed during a layover in Medellín, Colombia.
Who has been arrested?
Andrés Felipe Peña Corrales and William Olave Gamboa were arrested in Peru. María del Carmen González was arrested separately in Colombia.
What charges do the suspects face?
Peña Corrales and Olave Gamboa face charges including aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery in Colombia. The allegations have not been resolved in court.
Was scopolamine confirmed in the investigation?
No. Reports raised the possibility that scopolamine was used, but authorities have not publicly confirmed toxicology findings in the case.
