Two men have been arrested in Peru in connection with the alleged drugging, robbery and killing of American Airlines flight attendant Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina during a March layover in Medellín, Colombia. Colombian authorities say the suspects are allegedly linked to Los Goteros, a criminal organization accused of targeting foreign tourists through dating apps. A third suspect was arrested separately in Colombia over alleged financial activity involving foreign victims. The investigation involved authorities in the United States, Colombia and Peru.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Arrests follow an international investigation |
| 2) | Authorities outline the alleged tourist-targeting scheme |
| 3) | The flight attendant’s disappearance and death |
| 4) | Extradition and charges facing the suspects |
| 5) | Authorities examine possible additional victims |
Arrests follow an international investigation
Andrés Felipe Peña Corrales, 23, and William Olave Gamboa, 31, were captured in Peru months after the death of Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old, Dallas-based flight attendant. Peña Corrales was transferred to Colombia to face proceedings, while Olave Gamboa remained in Peruvian custody pending extradition proceedings. Both men face charges including aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery in Colombia, according to authorities.
The arrests resulted from a months-long investigation involving U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Colombian prosecutors and Peruvian authorities. Colombian police also credited the Medellín Mayor’s Office, Colombia’s National Police and Peru’s National Police with supporting the case. The cross-border effort followed an international search after Gutierrez Molina disappeared during an overnight stop in Medellín.
Authorities outline the alleged tourist-targeting scheme
Colombian police identified the three suspects as alleged members of Los Goteros, a criminal organization accused of targeting foreign tourists. Investigators say members contacted victims through dating applications, developed their trust, drugged them and stole money, jewelry and other valuables.
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 a coworker were drugged. Their belongings were reportedly taken, and their financial accounts were accessed.
Reports cited by investigators said scopolamine, also known as “Devil’s Breath” or “Dragon’s Breath,” may have been used to incapacitate the victims. Authorities have not publicly confirmed toxicology findings in this case. Gutierrez Molina was reportedly strangled, while his coworker survived.
The flight attendant’s disappearance and death
Gutierrez Molina disappeared in March after arriving in Colombia for an overnight layover before he was scheduled to continue to Miami. Friends told local media that he shared his location from an Airbnb near José María Córdova International Airport, after which communication suddenly stopped. His coworkers and family members then reported him missing.
Investigators allege that the group accessed his bank accounts, stole additional valuables and abandoned his body near Jericó, southwest of Medellín. Authorities recovered a body in the area five days after his disappearance. The remains were later identified as Gutierrez Molina.
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez announced the recovery at the time. The case prompted continued cooperation between local, national and international agencies as investigators worked to establish what happened during the layover and identify those responsible.
Extradition and charges facing the suspects
Peña Corrales’s transfer to Colombia allows him to face the country’s judicial process. Olave Gamboa’s case remained subject to extradition proceedings in Peru. The charges described by Colombian authorities include aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery, although the allegations must be resolved through the courts.
A third suspect, María del Carmen González, 24, was arrested separately in Montería, Colombia. Investigators allege that she was not directly involved in Gutierrez Molina’s killing but participated in withdrawing and moving money stolen from foreign victims as part of the group’s operation.
“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 U.S. citizens and ensure the safety of international travelers in the region,” the U.S. Embassy in Colombia said in a joint statement.
American Airlines previously said it was heartbroken by Gutierrez Molina’s death and that it was supporting his family, loved ones and colleagues while assisting Colombian law enforcement.
Authorities examine possible additional victims
Authorities are investigating whether other foreign tourists were victimized through the same alleged dating-app scheme. The inquiry is focused on determining the extent of Los Goteros’ reported activity, how financial accounts were accessed and whether additional suspects or victims can be identified.
The case has also drawn attention to the risks faced by travelers who meet people through dating applications while abroad. Officials have not announced a final account of the alleged operation, and details about the suspected drugging remain subject to forensic and judicial review.
| Key Points | |
|---|---|
| Number | Key Point |
| 1 | Two men were arrested in Peru over the alleged killing. |
| 2 | The victim disappeared during a March layover in Medellín. |
| 3 | Police allege the suspects were linked to Los Goteros. |
| 4 | A third suspect was arrested over alleged movement of stolen funds. |
| 5 | Investigators are examining whether other tourists were targeted. |
Summary
The arrests in Peru mark a significant development in the investigation into the alleged killing of an American Airlines flight attendant in Colombia. Authorities say the case may be connected to a wider operation targeting foreign tourists through dating apps, but the allegations remain subject to court proceedings. Investigators continue to examine the suspected role of each defendant and whether other victims were involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the case?
Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old flight attendant based in Dallas, was reported missing during a March layover in Medellín. Authorities later identified his remains near Jericó.
Who was arrested?
Andrés Felipe Peña Corrales and William Olave Gamboa were arrested in Peru. María del Carmen González was arrested separately in Colombia. Authorities allege the three were connected to the investigation in different ways.
What is Los Goteros accused of doing?
Colombian police allege that Los Goteros targeted foreign tourists through dating apps, drugged them and stole their money and valuables. Investigators are examining whether the group was involved in additional cases.