American Airlines Pilot Found Dead in Colombia After Suspected 'Devil's Breath' Attack
The body of American Airlines pilot Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, aged 32, has been located in Colombia, where he vanished during a layover. Authorities fear he fell victim to a criminal scheme involving the drug scopolamine, notoriously known as 'devil's breath'.
Disappearance During Layover in Medellín
Gutierrez Molina went missing on Saturday night while on a layover in Medellín, Colombia. Investigators reported that he ventured out to the El Poblado neighborhood with two colleagues, one male and one female identified only as Andrea. The group encountered two men who proposed moving the party to a different location.
The male colleague opted not to join, but Gutierrez Molina and Andrea proceeded to another nightclub. Hours later, Andrea was discovered by authorities in a disoriented state and rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
Discovery of the Body and Official Statements
Mayor Fico Gutiérrez announced on social media platform X that a body had been found 'between the municipality of Jericó and Puente Iglesias'. He stated in Spanish, 'There is a very high probability that it is this person,' and added, 'I have just personally delivered the painful news to his father, who is in Medellín.'
During a press conference on Thursday, officials revealed they have identified individuals with a history of targeting tourists by spiking drinks with scopolamine, as reported by NBCDFW. These criminals exploit the drug's effects to incapacitate victims, making them susceptible to robbery, sexual assault, or kidnapping.
The Dangers of 'Devil's Breath'
Scopolamine is a substance derived from a plant common in Colombia, where its seeds can be crushed into a tasteless, odorless powder easily mixed into beverages. While used clinically to prevent nausea post-surgery, higher doses induce extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness.
In Colombia, offenders frequently deploy this drug in nightclubs and bars across major cities like Bogotá and Medellín. According to the US Embassy in Colombia, scopolamine can leave victims unconscious for over 24 hours and with no memory upon waking, complicating efforts to identify attackers.
Investigation and Personal Impact
Investigators have not released further details about the individuals accompanying Gutierrez Molina that night, aside from noting their prior use of scopolamine. Mayor Gutiérrez pledged to pursue justice, writing, 'The investigations carried out by the Police and the Prosecutor's Office are very advanced and they would have very clear leads on those responsible. Let justice be done.'
Ernesto Carranza, the flight attendant's boyfriend, sensed trouble on Sunday morning when he received no communication. Carranza told NBCDFW, 'I knew immediately, because even though he has his own phone, his work phone could’ve been a second option of communication.' He recounted their last exchange: 'I messaged him [on Saturday night to] have a good night, be safe, I love you. And he just messaged back: "Okay, I love you back. I’m going to go out and hang with my crews."'
Gutierrez Molina's father traveled to Medellín to search for his son, with authorities providing emotional and legal support during this tragic ordeal.
