The dismembered body of Alessandro Coatti, a 42-year-old London-based scientist, was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase near a stream in Santa Marta, Colombia, authorities confirmed.
Local children stumbled upon the grisly scene, finding the victim’s head, hands, and feet—but his torso and other remains are still missing.
Santa Marta’s mayor, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, has announced a £10,000 (50 million Colombian pesos) reward for information leading to the killers, vowing that the perpetrators will be hunted down.
“This crime will not go unpunished,” Mayor Pinedo declared. “Criminals must know that in Santa Marta, criminality has no place. We will pursue them until they are brought to justice.”
Who Was Alessandro Coatti?
The Italian-born molecular biologist was a senior science policy officer at the prestigious Royal Society of Biology in London. A former neuroscience researcher at University College London (UCL), Coatti had a distinguished academic career and even spoke about his work in an Offspring Magazine podcast last October.
Possible Paramilitary Link?
Colombian media reports indicate that a paramilitary group, Autodefensas Conquistadores de la Sierra Nevada, operates in Santa Marta. The group suspended peace talks with the government the same day Coatti was last seen leaving his hotel. However, authorities have not yet established any connection between the organization and the murder.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are still searching for the missing body parts and potential suspects. The case has sent shockwaves through the scientific community and Colombian locals, raising concerns over safety in the popular tourist destination.
Sources: Colombian police reports, Royal Society of Biology, and local media.
Reported by M10News | April 8, 2025
