Two suspects linked to a Colombian criminal group have been arrested in Peru in connection with the March killing of Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old American Airlines flight attendant based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
U.S. officials confirmed the arrests involved collaboration between Homeland Security Investigations offices in Bogotá and Lima, the Colombian National Police, and Peruvian authorities. One suspect has been transferred to Colombia to face charges, while the second remains in Peruvian custody pending extradition.
Background of the Case
Gutierrez Molina, a U.S. citizen who lived in North Texas, arrived in Medellín, Colombia, on March 21, 2026, on a flight from Miami for a routine layover. He was scheduled to work a return flight the following day but did not report for duty, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
Authorities later located his body in a rural area between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias, southwest of Medellín. Officials stated he was drugged and murdered. The U.S. Embassy in Colombia described the case as involving a criminal group that targets U.S. citizens for robbery and theft.
Arrest Details
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá announced that investigators captured the suspects in Peru. Authorities identified them as members of the Los Goteros gang, known for using drugs such as scopolamine in robberies of tourists and visitors.
One suspect was returned to Colombia. The second is awaiting extradition proceedings in Peru. A third individual was also detained in connection with the case, according to Colombian reports.
Officials said that “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 and to ensure the safety of international travelers in the region.”
Gutierrez Molina worked for American Airlines, which is headquartered in Fort Worth but maintains major operations in the Dallas area. The airline previously described his death as “heartbreaking” in an internal note to employees.
Provided by Dallas Express
