In a shocking turn of events, the dismembered body of 45-year-old Italian biologist Alessandro Coatti was found in a suitcase on the outskirts of Santa Marta, Colombia, this past Sunday. According to CBS News, Coatti, who had been missing since Saturday, was last seen at a local hostel where he was staying during his trip. Friends raised the alarm after he failed to check in.
Coatti, who had previously worked as a science policy officer for the Royal Society of Biology in London, had recently traveled to South America to conduct research on wildlife native to the area.
He had been looking forward to visiting Minca, a nearby village about six miles from Santa Marta when the unthinkable happened.
Authorities discovered his dismembered body in a suitcase, with parts of his head, hands, and other body parts inside. Santa Marta, a city known for its tourist-friendly vibe, had a record of almost 200 murders in 2024, according to The Associated Press.
Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello offered a reward of about $11,000 for anyone with information that leads to an arrest. On social media, Pinedo promised the city would not rest until Coatti’s killer was found.
The investigation is still ongoing, but this case has disturbed locals and tourists, displaying the darker side of the city.
#Clique, what are your thoughts on this shocking story?
