Two individuals have been arrested in Peru in connection with the murder of Eric Fernando Gutiérrez Molina, an American Airlines flight attendant who went missing during a layover in Colombia earlier this year. Gutiérrez Molina, a 32-year-old Dallas-Fort Worth-based crew member, vanished after a night out with a colleague on March 21 during a layover in Medellín. He was scheduled to work a return flight to Miami the next day, but never showed up.
His body was later found between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias, about 60 miles southwest of the city. Authorities suspected foul play in his death. The U.S.
Embassy in Colombia announced the arrest of two people last week, who they say drugged and murdered Gutiérrez Molina in March. Authorities have not named either suspect, but said they were apprehended on July 26 in Peru. One of the suspects was transferred to Colombia, while the second remains in custody in Peru awaiting extradition.
The 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 and to ensure the safety of international travelers in the region. Several days after Gutiérrez Molina disappeared, Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez wrote on social media that a “lifeless body” was found “between the municipality of Jericó and Puente Iglesias.” The mayor said there was a “high probability” that it was Gutiérrez Molina, and the flight attendant’s family later confirmed his death. A GoFundMe set up by his brother described Gutiérrez Molina’s personality as a “ball of sunshine as he entered and exited a room.
He will always be remembered as a docile, charismatic, goofy man who always provided a helping hand.” Gutiérrez Molina was born and raised in El Salvador and later became a U.S. citizen. Friends and investigators said that Gutiérrez Molina was out with a colleague in Medellín’s El Poblado nightlife district. While at a club, they met two men and decided to continue the night at another location.
Later, he sent a message sharing his location at an Airbnb in El Poblado, but all communication stopped soon after. Medellín Security Secretary Manuel Villa said during a news conference that Gutiérrez Molina’s colleague made it back to her hotel “somewhat disoriented,” but he had disappeared. Villa said the pair encountered people “with a history of committing theft” using scopolamine, which is a medication that helps with nausea and vomiting.
It can cause severe dizziness and hallucinations. At the time, American Airlines said in a statement that it was “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,” the airline previously said in a statement.
