A Colombian woman suspected of orchestrating the fatal poisoning of two teenage girls has been rescued from the River Thames in London, ending days on the run across multiple countries. The dramatic recovery adds a new twist to a case that has gripped both Colombian and international law enforcement officials this week.
Dramatic Rescue Ends International Manhunt
Authorities in the United Kingdom located the 50-plus-year-old woman early Tuesday morning near Battersea Bridge, pulling her from the river after reports of a person in distress. Emergency responders confirmed she suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a London hospital for treatment. Once discharged, British police are expected to take her into custody under an existing warrant.
Allegations Link Suspect to Poisoned Raspberries
The woman is accused of sending chocolate-covered raspberries laced with thallium, a deadly, colorless, tasteless metal, in a package to Bogotá in April. Two schoolgirls, aged 14 and 13, consumed the contaminated treats and died several days later, according to prosecutors. Officials believe another teenager and a 21-year-old survivor suffered serious health effects.
Investigators allege the poisoning was motivated by personal reasons linked to the suspect’s relationship with the father of one of the victims — a claim she denies. She has maintained that her travels across Argentina, Brazil, Spain, and ultimately to the UK were unrelated to the accusations.
Global Law Enforcement Coordination
Interpol had issued a red notice seeking her arrest, prompting international tracking of her movements. After entering the UK in November, authorities moved swiftly when her presence was confirmed, leading to the river rescue operation. A London magistrate has since issued an arrest warrant, and extradition proceedings are anticipated once she is medically cleared.
