The father of a teenage girl who tragically died after consuming poisoned raspberries, suspected to be an act of revenge by a woman, has expressed his grief.
Zulma Guzman Castro, a businesswoman, is being sought by Interpol following allegations from public prosecutors linking her to the deaths of Emilia Forero, 13, and her friend Ines de Bedout, 14. The two girls passed away in a hospital after ingesting raspberries laced with thallium, a toxic heavy metal previously associated with the poisoning of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006.
Forensic analysis confirmed that the lethal metal was intentionally added to the raspberries before they were delivered to the upscale apartment in Bogota, Colombia. The girls had been playing at the apartment when the tainted dessert was sent on April 3.
Colombia’s prosecution service has requested Interpol to apprehend Guzman, who reportedly fled to Argentina following the tragic incident. Emilia’s father, Pedro, shared a heartfelt message on social media, reminiscing about his daughter’s life and expressing his profound loss.
Local reports suggest that the double homicides may have been motivated by a crime of passion, as Guzman allegedly had a romantic involvement with Ines’ father. Investigations are also looking into the death of Juan’s wife two years ago, amid suspicions of thallium poisoning.
Guzman, maintaining her innocence, is believed to have traveled to Brazil, Spain, and the UK after leaving Colombia. It is alleged that she used a courier service to send the poisonous fruit dessert, claiming innocence in a message that surfaced in a Colombian newspaper.
The package was delivered to the girls in the evening on April 3, following an earlier unsuccessful delivery attempt. Guzman refuted the accusations against her, stating that she has not fled and has been engaged in legitimate activities in different countries.
The tragic incident has left the community in shock, with authorities intensifying efforts to bring justice to the families of the victims amidst the unfolding investigation.