Colombian businesswoman Zulma Guzman Castro has appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court as she contests extradition to Colombia, where she is wanted over the deaths of two teenage girls who allegedly ate chocolate-covered raspberries contaminated with thallium.
The 54-year-old is accused of murdering 14-year-old Ines de Bedout and 13-year-old Emilia Forero in April last year.
Colombian prosecutors also suspect her of attempting to murder two other people who consumed the poisoned fruit.
The extradition proceedings began at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, with the hearing expected to last a week.
Several South American journalists attended as the case continues to attract widespread attention in Colombia.
Businesswoman Accused of Murdering Two Teenagers
Guzman Castro is wanted by Colombian authorities on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Prosecutors allege that she arranged the poisoning of the chocolate-covered raspberries as an act of revenge following a secret relationship with Ines’s father, Juan de Bedout.
The two girls reportedly ate the contaminated dessert while spending time at a luxury apartment in Bogota with Ines’s older brother and another teenage girl after school.
Both teenagers became seriously ill and died four days later, according to Colombian media reports. Ines was 14, while Emilia was 13.
A 21-year-old brother of one of the victims and the other teenage girl also ate the raspberries but survived after receiving hospital treatment.
Extradition Hearing Begins at Westminster Magistrates’ Court
Guzman Castro, who is represented by King’s Counsel Joel Smith, appeared in court as Colombian authorities pursue her return to face criminal prosecution.
Prosecutor Rosemary Davidson previously explained the basis of the proceedings, saying: “Extradition is requested by the Colombian government on charges of murder and attempted murder.”
She added that the case involved an extradition request for the purpose of criminal prosecution.
District Judge John Zani said two psychiatrists would give evidence during the hearing, alongside an officer from the National Crime Agency.
He told the court: “Tomorrow both psychiatrists will give evidence and an officer from the NCA (National Crime Agency) will address the court.”
Arrest Followed Discovery in the River Thames
Guzman Castro was rescued from the River Thames near Battersea Bridge on December 16 last year after being identified in Colombia as the alleged perpetrator of the poisoning.
She was found by police with injuries that were not considered life-threatening and was taken to hospital before being transferred to a psychiatric unit.
An international search for her had been launched after Interpol issued a Red Notice in December.
She was subsequently arrested on January 6 by officers from the National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit.
Her presence in Britain was reportedly established after she appeared in an interview with Colombian television channel Focus Noticias, during which she was seen drinking a bottle of Buxton mineral water.
Former Businesswoman Appeared on Colombian Dragons’ Den
Before becoming the subject of the criminal investigation, Guzman Castro had established herself in Colombia’s business community.
She founded Car B, an electric car rental company, and also appeared on Shark Tank, the Colombian version of the television investment programme Dragons’ Den.
Her business background and appearance on the programme had previously made her known in the country’s entrepreneurial circles.
Poisonous Substance Used in the Raspberries
The substance allegedly used to contaminate the chocolate-covered raspberries was thallium, a highly toxic chemical that is colourless, odourless and tasteless.
Thallium is used in several industrial applications, including the manufacture of electronic equipment, optical lenses, semiconductors, alloys and radiation detection devices.
Its properties reportedly made it difficult to detect through the appearance, smell or taste of the contaminated food.
Emilia’s Father Shares Emotional Tribute Following Her Death
Following Emilia’s death, her father, Pedro Forero, published an emotional tribute on social media, expressing his grief over losing his daughter.
Writing shortly before Colombian prosecutors announced that they had identified a suspect in the case, he reflected on the 13-year-old’s life and the future she would never have the opportunity to experience.
He wrote: “Fourteen years ago, a life of hopes, joys and dreams began; a life that filled a family, a father and a mother.”
He described Emilia as an exceptional person with ambitions, hopes and goals, adding that he could not understand how anyone could take her life away.
Alongside a photograph of Emilia as a baby, Forero shared another message expressing the depth of his loss.
He wrote that the love he felt for his daughter was unlike anything he had experienced and that he would carry it for the rest of his life.
He also expressed regret that he had been unable to protect her, saying he hoped to receive one final hug from her, even if it could only happen in his dreams.
