A British physician wanted for the alleged killing of a Colombian model whose body was discovered in a suitcase has been apprehended in Ecuador. Matthew Foster-Smith, seized at Quito International Airport, was identified as the individual authorities in Bogota sought to interrogate regarding the tragic demise of Natalia Villalba.
The 46-year-old from Poole, Dorset, had declared his innocence shortly before being taken into custody. Prior to his arrest, Foster-Smith denied any involvement, stating to the Sun that he was in Colombia watching an England match when the incident occurred.
According to a reliable source, Foster-Smith was detained at the airport as he attempted to purchase a ticket to Europe, with his location determined through phone calls he made. Colombian prosecutors have confirmed his apprehension and stated that he allegedly entered the victim’s apartment, assaulted her leading to her death, placed her body in a suitcase, and then took actions to conceal the crime before fleeing.
The Attorney General’s Office of Colombia announced that Foster-Smith will face charges for aggravated femicide and tampering with evidence. Natalia’s body was discovered in a suitcase in a bathroom in Bogota, with her mother revealing that she had lost contact with her daughter days before the incident. Investigations revealed that Natalia had checked into her apartment with a man from Texas before extending her stay.
Bogota mayor Carlos Fernando Galan acknowledged the collaboration with Dorset Police in Foster-Smith’s arrest, emphasizing the joint effort that led to locating the suspect in Ecuador. Foster-Smith had left Colombia via a border crossing into Ecuador before his capture. In his defense, he claimed to have a solid alibi and mentioned receiving death threats, prompting his departure from Colombia.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work towards prosecuting Foster-Smith for the alleged crimes committed against Natalia Villalba.