Two alleged gang members have been arrested in connection with the killing of an American Airlines flight attendant who disappeared during a layover in Colombia.
Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, was based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and went missing in Medellín on March 22.
His body was discovered five days later in a wooded area between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias.
Authorities have now identified two suspects accused of drugging, robbing and killing Molina after allegedly targeting him through a dating app.
The men were identified as Andrés Felipe Peña Corrales, 23, and William Olave Gamboa, 31.
Both suspects were arrested in Peru on July 26, according to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia.
“One of the suspects was transferred to Colombia to face justice,” the embassy said. “The second remains in the custody of Peruvian authorities, awaiting extradition proceedings.”
The arrests were carried out under warrants issued by Colombian authorities.
Homeland Security Investigations offices in Bogotá and Lima worked with police agencies in Colombia and Peru to locate and capture the suspects.
Investigators believe Corrales and Gamboa were connected to a criminal gang that targeted foreigners through online dating platforms.
Members of the group allegedly arranged meetings with victims before giving them drugs or other substances that left them unable to defend themselves. The suspects would then allegedly steal their money, valuables and access to financial accounts.
According to the investigation, Molina was contacted through a dating app before meeting several people at a nightclub in Medellín’s upscale El Poblado neighborhood.
The group later traveled to a hotel, where Molina was allegedly given a debilitating substance.
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez said the suspects then allegedly stole jewelry and money from Molina’s bank account before transporting his body to an isolated wooded area.
A forensic examination later determined that Molina died from mechanical asphyxiation.
Authorities also arrested a third person, 24-year-old María del Carmen González, for her alleged involvement in the wider gang operation. She was not arrested in direct connection with Molina’s killing.
Corrales allegedly fled to Bogotá following the crime before eventually traveling to Peru. He was arrested there and later returned to Colombia.
Gamboa was also captured in Peru and remained in custody in Lima while awaiting extradition proceedings.
Both men have reportedly been charged with aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery.
The U.S. Embassy released photographs of the suspects following their arrests and praised the international effort that led to their capture.
“This successful outcome reflects the firm commitment of the United States, Colombia and Peru to work together to investigate and bring to justice a criminal group in Colombia dedicated to robbing and theft of U.S. citizens,” the embassy said.
Officials also thanked the Medellín Mayor’s Office and law enforcement authorities in Colombia and Peru for their work on the case.
“We will continue working together to bring these criminal networks to justice and ensure the safety of international travelers in the region,” the embassy said.
