Alleged Killers of Flight Attendant Linked to Tourist Gang in Colombia

Two men have been apprehended in Peru in connection with the March slaying of an American Airlines flight attendant during a layover in Colombia. Authorities allege the suspects are part of a criminal group notorious for targeting foreign tourists. The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation into the death of Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, a Dallas-based flight attendant whose disappearance in Medellin triggered an international search.

Suspects Apprehended in International Sweep

Andrés Felipe Peña Corrales, aged 23, and William Olave Gamboa, 31, were taken into custody in Peru. Peña Corrales has since been extradited to Colombia to face charges related to the killing. Olave Gamboa remains in Peruvian custody, with extradition proceedings underway. Both men are facing serious charges in Colombia, including aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery, according to official statements.

A third individual, María del Carmen González, 24, was arrested separately in Montería, Colombia. Investigators believe González was not directly involved in Gutierrez Molina’s death but played a role in the financial aspects of the group’s operations, allegedly handling the withdrawal and movement of stolen funds from foreign victims.

‘Los Goteros’: A Gang Targeting Tourists

Colombian police have identified all three suspects as alleged members of a criminal organization known as Los Goteros. This group is accused of systematically preying on foreign tourists. Their alleged modus operandi involves initiating contact through dating applications, building trust with their targets, administering drugs, and subsequently stealing valuables and money.

According to reports from the Colombian newspaper El Colombiano, investigators believe Gutierrez Molina was approached via a dating app. He subsequently met with several individuals at a nightclub in Medellin’s El Poblado district. The group then reportedly moved to a hotel, where both Gutierrez Molina and a coworker were allegedly drugged. Their belongings were then stolen, and their financial accounts were reportedly accessed.

The same outlet reported that scopolamine, a potent drug sometimes referred to as “Devil’s Breath” or “Dragon’s Breath,” may have been used to incapacitate the victims. However, authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the toxicology results in the case. While Gutierrez Molina was reportedly strangled, his coworker survived the incident.

International Cooperation Leads to Arrests

The investigation culminated in a months-long international effort, involving significant collaboration between U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Colombian prosecutors, and Peruvian authorities. The U.S. Embassy in Colombia issued a joint statement, highlighting the successful outcome as a testament to the strong commitment of the United States, Colombia, and Peru to combating criminal elements that target international travelers.

“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 embassy stated. The statement also acknowledged the crucial roles played by the Mayor’s Office of Medellin, Colombia’s National Police, and Peru’s National Police in the investigation.

Disappearance and Discovery

Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, an American Airlines flight attendant, disappeared in March while on a brief layover in Medellin, en route to Miami. Friends had indicated that he shared his location from an Airbnb near José María Córdova International Airport. Communication abruptly ceased thereafter, prompting concern among his colleagues and family, who subsequently reported him missing.

Just days later, Medellin Mayor Federico Gutiérrez announced that authorities had discovered a body near Jericó, a town southwest of Medellin. The remains were later identified as those of Gutierrez Molina. Investigators allege that the group accessed Gutierrez Molina’s bank accounts, stole other valuables, and then abandoned his body. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether other foreign tourists may have fallen victim to Los Goteros using similar tactics.

American Airlines Statement

American Airlines expressed profound sadness over the loss of their colleague. In a previous statement, the airline conveyed, “We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our colleague. 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.”