03.07.2026 14:30
In the horrific murder case in Colombia, British doctor Matthew Foster-Smith is accused of killing 36-year-old model Natalia Villalba and placing her body in a suitcase. The forensic report revealed the cause of death. The British doctor denies the charges.
A horrific murder in Colombia has caused a major uproar both in the country and in the international public opinion. British doctor Matthew Foster-Smith is accused of killing 36-year-old Colombian model Natalia Villalba, then dismembering her body and placing it in a suitcase. With the release of the forensic report on the incident, details of the investigation have begun to come to light.
According to the investigation conducted by the Colombian prosecutor's office, Natalia Villalba's lifeless body was found by cleaning staff in an apartment in the upscale neighborhood of Chico in the capital Bogota. The workers, noticing that the shower had been running for days, entered the apartment and encountered a suitcase left under the shower. An examination determined that the suitcase contained human remains belonging to the young model.
Forensic Report Reveals Cause of Death
According to a statement by Ariel Cortes, Director of Colombia's National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Natalia Villalba's death was caused by a blow to the head with a hard, heavy object.
Forensic examinations determined that after the young woman's death, her body was dismembered and placed inside the suitcase.
Authorities believe it is no coincidence that the suitcase was left under the running shower. According to experts, the continuous flow of water may have been intended to accelerate the decomposition of the body, complicating identification and evidence analysis.
Ariel Cortes stated the following in his announcement:
"She died as a result of a severe blow to the head. Subsequently, her body was dismembered and placed in a suitcase. Leaving the suitcase under running water accelerated the decomposition process and may have been intended to complicate forensic examinations."
British Doctor Denies Allegations
Matthew Foster-Smith, the 46-year-old British doctor at the center of the murder investigation, contacted the British press just hours before his arrest to deny the allegations.
In a phone interview, Foster-Smith claimed he was watching an English football match at the time of the incident and asserted he had no connection to the murder.
However, the police teams conducting the investigation stated that this defense lost its validity in later stages of the inquiry based on security camera footage and other obtained evidence.
Authorities reported that the murder occurred on June 18 and that strong evidence was found indicating the suspect was at Natalia Villalba's home at the time of the incident.
Captured After a Five-Day Escape
After the incident, Foster-Smith left Colombia, and a Red Notice was issued for him through Interpol.
Following approximately five days of international search efforts, the suspect was apprehended at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
According to Colombian prosecutors, it was alleged that Foster-Smith planned to flee to the Netherlands using a reportedly fake passport.
After his capture, the suspect was brought to Bogota from Ecuador, and official detention procedures were initiated.
Colombia's Attorney General's Office announced that evidence obtained through technical examinations showed that Foster-Smith entered the young woman's home on the day of the incident, physically assaulted her, and placed her body in the suitcase after her death.
He May Be Tried on Charges of Aggravated Femicide
Under Colombian law, Foster-Smith is expected to be tried on charges of "aggravated femicide."
It is stated that if convicted, he could face a prison sentence of 40 to 50 years.
The investigation continues, with reports that the prosecutor's office is working to strengthen the case using security camera footage, digital data, and forensic examinations.
His Past Also Drew Attention
Matthew Foster-Smith's past has also come back into focus as part of the investigation.
It was learned that in England, he was sentenced to prison in 2020 for stalking his ex-girlfriend for an extended period and publishing private images online for revenge.
After his release from prison, Foster-Smith was reportedly subject to legal proceedings again in 2024 for systematically stalking another woman.
At that time, British police issued a public warning advising citizens not to approach the suspect, and after he violated bail conditions and fled, a widespread search was launched.
Foster-Smith was later captured in London and sentenced to prison again.
While the recent incident in Colombia brings his past criminal record back into the spotlight, the investigation is being closely followed by the international public.
The allegations against Matthew Foster-Smith continue to be subject to judicial proceedings. Final legal responsibility will be determined by the court's decision.