In a troubling development, Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old flight attendant for American Airlines, has been reported missing in Medellín, Colombia. He was last seen during a crew layover on Saturday night after going out with two coworkers. Gutierrez Molina was scheduled to return to Miami the following day, but he failed to appear for his flight.
Local authorities have since issued a missing-persons alert for Gutierrez Molina, and the FBI’s Dallas Field Office is now managing the case. Investigators have identified individuals who were last seen with him, some of whom have a criminal past, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Scopolamine, a drug often associated with thefts in Colombia, is suspected to be involved in this case. This substance has a notorious reputation for being used to incapacitate victims, particularly in nightlife settings. According to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, if ingested or exposed, it can leave a victim unconscious for 24 hours or more.
Gutierrez Molina shared his location at an Airbnb shortly before he went missing, but details regarding his last known activities remain limited. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants has expressed their support for efforts to locate him, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Arturo Fontes, a local expert, commented, “These cases are normal. In this case, he has not shown up and that’s what’s giving some red flags.” This statement underscores the growing concern among both authorities and the public regarding safety in Medellín.
Ken Gray, a representative from the FBI, noted the complexities of conducting investigations in foreign countries, stating, “The FBI cannot do an investigation on their own inside a foreign country. Instead, they work with the police in that country.” This collaboration is crucial as local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Gutierrez Molina’s disappearance.
As the search for Gutierrez Molina intensifies, many are left wondering about the safety of travelers in Colombia, especially in light of the ongoing issues related to drug-related crimes. Scopolamine has been used for years to carry out robberies of people targeted while visiting bars and nightclubs in the region.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether foul play is suspected at this time, and it is unclear if the identified suspects have been taken into custody and questioned. The situation remains fluid, with local authorities continuing their investigation into this alarming case.
