Zulma Guzman Castro, a 54-year-old entrepreneur who appeared on a reality TV show similar to Dragon's Den, has been arrested in London following an international manhunt. She is accused of poisoning two teenage girls with thallium-laced chocolate raspberries in Bogotá, Colombia.
The victims, Ines de Bedout, 14, and Emilia Forero, 13, died after eating the raspberries delivered to their home in March. Two other children who also ate the berries survived, though one suffered lasting injuries. Authorities allege the berries were injected with thallium, a highly toxic heavy metal.
Castro is said to have had a secret affair with Ines’ father, Juan de Bedout, which ended five years ago. Investigators believe the poisonings were an act of vengeance after a falling out. Castro has denied the charges, calling them 'gossip' in messages to friends.
The case has taken a further twist as Colombian authorities are re-examining the 2021 death of Juan de Bedout's wife, Alicia Graham Sardi, as a potential thallium poisoning. Castro was arrested after a dramatic incident where she jumped from Battersea Bridge into the River Thames.
Former employees described Castro as controlling and financially difficult. They noted that she would often dismiss staff to engage in midday romps with her lover. Her company, Car-B, folded in 2019 due to debts.
