A Colombian businesswoman, accused of murdering two teenagers with poisoned chocolate-covered raspberries, has been arrested in London after an international manhunt that ended with her rescue from the River Thames.
Dramatic Arrest Follows Thames Rescue
Zulma Guzman Castro, aged 54, was arrested today by officers from the National Crime Agency's National Extradition Unit in the W10 area of London. This follows her dramatic rescue from the River Thames on December 16, after she reportedly jumped from Battersea Bridge. She had been held in a psychiatric unit since that incident until her formal arrest.
Castro is wanted by Colombian authorities in connection with the alleged murder of two schoolgirls in Bogota. The victims are identified as 14-year-old Ines de Bedout and her 13-year-old friend, Emilia Forero. The tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, when the girls consumed raspberries laced with the deadly poison thallium. They died several days later.
International Manhunt and Alleged Motive
The suspect had been the subject of an intensive international search since she left Colombia on April 13, 2025. The alleged murders are reported to have been an 'act of vengeance' linked to a secret six-year affair Castro is said to have had with Ines de Bedout's father, Juan de Bedout. The affair reportedly began in 2014 and ended shortly before the death of his wife.
In addition to the two murder charges, Castro is also wanted for attempted murder by the Colombian authorities.
Extradition Proceedings Begin
Castro is due to appear for her first extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court this afternoon. The UK's National Crime Agency confirmed the arrest, stating she was apprehended in connection with the Colombian warrant.
This case highlights the extensive reach of international law enforcement cooperation. The swift action by the NCA's specialist unit ensures the suspect will now face the judicial process, moving her closer to potentially standing trial in Colombia for the grave crimes she is accused of committing.
