Authorities in Santa Marta, a renowned tourist destination in Colombia, are actively investigating the brutal murder of Alessandro Coatti, a 42-year-old Italian scientist, after his dismembered remains were discovered in multiple locations.
The police in the Caribbean city revealed on Wednesday that parts of Coatti’s body had been found since Monday, including a suitcase containing some of his remains and a separate bag with his lower limbs. The cause of death and the motive behind the murder remain unclear at this time.
Coatti, formerly affiliated with the Royal Society of Biology in the UK, had been in Colombia as a tourist. His colleagues describe him as a warm, intelligent, and well-liked individual, affectionately known as “Ale” by those who worked with him. The Royal Society of Biology expressed deep sorrow, calling him “funny, warm, and loved by everyone” in a statement.
After leaving his role as a science policy officer at the society in 2024, Coatti had moved to Ecuador to volunteer and travel through South America, a journey tragically cut short by his death.
The Colombian authorities are working with local and international teams in their search for the culprits. The mayor of Santa Marta has announced a reward of $12,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
Santa Marta, a picturesque town nestled between the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean coast, is known for its thriving tourism industry. However, nearby regions are also notorious for drug-related violence, with the “Conquistadors of the Sierra Nevada,” a paramilitary group linked to other dismemberment cases, operating in the area. While there is no evidence yet connecting the group to Coatti’s death, their notorious reputation for brutal killings raises questions about potential involvement.
In response to the shocking crime, an Italian prosecutor is reportedly set to travel to Colombia to assist in the ongoing investigation, as authorities work to uncover the truth behind this gruesome murder.
