A woman sought by Colombian authorities over a double murder has been remanded in custody in the UK, following her arrest in London and a court appearance in Westminster.
Court Appearance and Serious Allegations
Zulma Guzman Castro, aged 54, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon, 6 January 2026. She refused consent for her extradition to Colombia, where she is wanted in connection with the alleged poisoning of two teenage girls. The court heard the girls died after consuming raspberries containing a toxic substance.
Guzman Castro, who wore a black jacket and a white-and-black striped top in court, confirmed her identity. Prosecutor Rosemary Davidson informed the court that the defendant had recently been discharged from hospital, where she was detained under the Mental Health Act, and was arrested by police shortly afterwards.
Arrest and Thames Rescue Operation
The suspect's journey to the dock began with a dramatic incident the previous month. According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were called at 6.45am on Tuesday, 16 December following reports of a woman in distress on Battersea Bridge.
The force's Marine Policing Unit recovered a woman in her 50s from the River Thames at 7.14am. She was taken to hospital with injuries assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing. Local media identified this woman as Guzman Castro.
Her formal arrest was executed by officers from the National Crime Agency's (NCA) National Extradition Unit in the W10 area of London on the morning of her court appearance.
Legal Process and Next Steps
District Judge Sarah Turnock remanded Guzman Castro in custody ahead of a case management hearing scheduled for Monday, 12 January. This hearing will set the stage for a full extradition hearing to determine whether she should be sent to Colombia to face the charges.
An NCA spokesperson stated: “Zulma Guzman Castro has today been arrested by officers from the NCA’s National Extradition Unit. She is wanted by Colombian authorities in relation to murder and attempted murder.”
The case highlights the international reach of UK law enforcement agencies and the complex legal procedures involved in cross-border criminal allegations.
