BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — In a shocking turn of events, authorities in Santa Marta, Colombia, have offered a $12,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the individuals responsible for the brutal murder of an Italian tourist. The victim, identified as Alessandro Coatti, had his dismembered remains discovered in a black suitcase abandoned on the outskirts of the city.
Santa Marta's Mayor, Carlos Pinedo, took to social media platform X on Monday to assure the public that Coatti's gruesome death would not go unpunished. He emphasized that "delinquents must know that in Santa Marta there is no room for criminality," pledging that law enforcement would relentlessly pursue those involved in this heinous crime until justice is served.
Alessandro Coatti, a 42-year-old molecular biologist, had recently been traveling through South America following an eight-year tenure in London, where he worked with the prestigious Royal Biological Society. Reports suggest that Coatti was conducting research on local animal species and had shown particular interest in visiting the nearby village of Minca shortly before his tragic end.
Investigators revealed that Coatti was dismembered after his death, with parts of his body found stuffed into a suitcase that was discovered by police on Sunday. This gruesome detail has horrified the local community and raised significant concerns regarding public safety in Santa Marta, a destination known for its stunning beaches and lush mountainous landscapes.
In the aftermath of this unsettling incident, the Royal Biological Society expressed its devastation in a statement issued on Tuesday. They described Coatti as "funny, warm, intelligent," and deeply cherished by his colleagues. The organization reiterated that his loss would be profoundly felt by all who knew and worked with him.
While Santa Marta attracts a significant number of international travelers, it has also faced ongoing challenges related to crime. The city, which boasts a population of about half a million residents, recorded 194 murders in 2024 alone, revealing a troubling trend that authorities are struggling to address.
This tragic case has sparked widespread outrage and concern, prompting local officials to take immediate action to enhance security measures. The community is left grappling with the reality of such violence occurring in a popular tourist destination, raising questions about the safety of visitors and residents alike.
