Missing flight attendant’s accomplice says he’s ‘shattered’ as officers affirm they’ve recognized suspects | EUROtoday

A physique found in central Colombia is believed to be Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, the American Airlines flight attendant who vanished throughout a layover final weekend, in a disappearance that has left his accomplice “shattered.”

Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez confirmed Friday on social media that the physique was found between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias, about 60 miles southwest of the town.

“There is a very high probability that it is this person,” he wrote on X, referring to Gutierrez Molina, translated from Spanish. “The lifeless body is being transported to legal medicine in Medellín for identification and recognition. We express our solidarity to his family and friends.”

Authorities suspect foul play in Gutierrez Molina’s disappearance, he added, saying officers “have very clear leads on those responsible” and urged that the people be pursued by means of extradition. A Colombian health worker continues to be investigating the reason for loss of life.

Gutiérrez Molina, a Dallas–Fort Worth–based mostly crew member, was final seen in Medellín, Colombia, after arriving on a flight from Miami for an in a single day cease, in accordance with officers. He was scheduled to report for responsibility the following day on a return flight to Miami, however by no means confirmed up, elevating speedy alarm amongst colleagues and family members.

Friends and investigators mentioned Gutiérrez Molina went out with coworkers Saturday night time in Medellín’s El Poblado nightlife district. While at a membership, they met two males and determined to proceed the night time at one other location. Later, he despatched a message sharing his location at an Airbnb in El Poblado, about 12 miles from José María Córdova International Airport, however all communication stopped quickly after.

“I want to believe that he’s alive, and I want to continue believing that he’s alive, but throughout each day you wake up not knowing anything, and it makes the days go by longer and slower,” Ernesto Carranza, Gutierrez Molina’s longtime accomplice, advised CBS News Thursday.

Sharom Gil, Gutiérrez Molina’s greatest buddy, added, “I’m missing a part of me … He’s the most joyful person to ever to be around. We’re so lost right now.”

Carranza grew more and more alarmed Sunday morning after repeated makes an attempt to contact Gutiérrez Molina went unanswered. His concern deepened when he checked his boyfriend’s telephone exercise and noticed it seemed to be pinging from two places in Medellín.

“Both locations were nowhere near where he was supposed to sleep for the night,” Carranza advised CBS News.

One of Gutiérrez Molina’s coworkers was later discovered disoriented and required medical consideration. Family members and buddies now concern Gutiérrez could have been drugged, presumably with scopolamine, also known as “devil’s breath,” a substance recognized to trigger confusion, reminiscence loss, impaired judgment and even unconsciousness. She reported not remembering parts of the night time.

“It was his female coworker, they both went out,” Gil mentioned. “We don’t want to disclose anything that happened to her, but she was also a victim of whatever Fernando is going through right now. She was disoriented, but she was able to make it back to the layover hotel.”

Colombian investigators haven’t launched the names of the people believed to have been with Gutiérrez Molina, nor have they confirmed whether or not any of them have been taken into custody or questioned, NBC 5 DFW reported. However, authorities have recognized automobiles and telephones linked to the suspects, offering potential leads within the ongoing investigation.

Missing individuals experiences have been filed in each Addison, Texas, and Medellín, Gil mentioned. The Medellín missing-person alert mentioned Gutiérrez Molina was final seen early Sunday within the residential La América neighborhood, which isn’t sometimes related to vacationer exercise.

An American Airlines spokesperson advised The Independent in a press release Friday: “We are actively engaged with native regulation enforcement officers of their investigation and doing all we are able to to assist our group member’s household throughout this time.”

The disappearance comes as a U.S. State Department journey advisory for Colombia stays in impact, urging Americans to “reconsider travel” amid ongoing issues over widespread violent crime.

Anyone with data on Gutiérrez Molina’s case is requested to contact the police.