FORT WORTH- Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of American Airlines (AA) flight attendant Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, who disappeared during a layover in Medellín (MDE), Colombia, earlier this year. The arrests followed a joint investigation involving authorities from the United States, Colombia, and Peru.
The 32-year-old Dallas-Fort Worth-based crew member went missing after arriving at Medellín José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) on a layover in March. Investigators allege the suspects belonged to a criminal gang that targeted foreign travelers through online dating platforms before robbing them.
Two Arrested for American Airlines Attendant Murder
The U.S. Embassy in Colombia confirmed that two men were arrested in Peru on July 26 in connection with Molina’s death. The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Andrés Felipe Peña Corrales and 31-year-old William Olave Gamboa.
According to the embassy, the arrests were carried out under warrants issued by Colombian authorities following a coordinated investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Colombian law enforcement, and Peruvian police.
One of the suspects has already been transferred to Colombia to face criminal proceedings. The second suspect remains in custody in Peru while awaiting extradition to Colombia.
The U.S. Embassy stated that the arrests demonstrate the continued cooperation between the three countries in pursuing criminal organizations targeting international travelers.
Investigation Reveals Alleged Dating App Robbery Scheme
According to Colombian newspaper El Colombiano, investigators believe the suspects were members of a criminal gang that used digital dating platforms to identify foreign victims.
Police allege that Molina was contacted through a dating application before agreeing to meet several individuals at a nightclub in Medellín’s El Poblado district.
Authorities believe the group later accompanied him to a hotel, where he was allegedly given a debilitating substance that left him unable to resist.
Investigators say the suspects stole money from Molina’s bank account along with jewelry and other valuables before transporting his body to a wooded area between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias.
Molina was reported missing on March 22 after failing to return from his layover. His body was discovered five days later.
Cause of Death Confirmed by Forensic Investigation
While officials initially withheld the cause of death, a forensic examination later determined that Molina died from mechanical asphyxiation, according to El Colombiano.
Both Corrales and Gamboa have reportedly been charged with aggravated homicide and aggravated robbery under Colombian law.
Authorities also arrested 24-year-old María del Carmen González during the investigation. Officials clarified that her arrest was linked to the broader criminal organization and not directly to Molina’s killing.
Investigators continue to examine the group’s alleged activities involving crimes against foreign visitors.
International Cooperation Against Criminal Networks
The U.S. Embassy praised the collaboration between American, Colombian, and Peruvian authorities that resulted in the arrests.
In an official statement, the embassy said the successful operation reflects the commitment of the three countries to investigate and dismantle criminal groups responsible for targeting U.S. citizens and other international travelers in Colombia.
The embassy also thanked the Medellín Mayor’s Office and law enforcement agencies in Colombia and Peru for their leadership during the investigation.
Officials stated they will continue working together to identify additional members of the criminal network and strengthen efforts to improve the safety of international travelers visiting the region.
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