Popular Model's body found inside a suitcase

Police in Colombia have recovered the body of popular model and influencer Natalia Vialba, 36, from a luxury apartment. Her body was found stuffed inside a suitcase. Authorities confirmed that Natalia had been staying since June 3 in an apartment complex located in El Chicó, an upscale neighborhood in the northern part of the capital.

According to Colombian newspaper El País, Natalia was scheduled to check out of the apartment on June 21. However, the following day, a cleaner entered the apartment and discovered a body inside a suitcase. Police immediately launched an investigation. A 46-year-old British citizen, Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith, was later arrested in connection with the case.

On June 26, Colombia's Attorney General's Office announced that Foster-Smith had been detained on charges of femicide (the killing of a woman because of her gender) and destruction of evidence. The arrest came just months after another female influencer died under suspicious circumstances at a hotel in Brazil.

Authorities say the investigation indicates that Foster-Smith entered Natalia's apartment while she was alone. Investigators allege that he physically assaulted and killed her before placing her body inside a suitcase in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime. They also claim that the crime scene had been tampered with.

Law enforcement agencies from Colombia, Ecuador, and the United Kingdom worked together to track down the suspect. Bogotá Mayor Carlos F. Galán said that Foster-Smith was arrested on June 26 at Quito International Airport in Ecuador's capital.

Just hours before his arrest, Foster-Smith denied any involvement in the killing during an interview with British newspaper The Sun. He claimed that at the time of the incident he was watching an England football match. According to him, after the match he visited a shopping mall, ate ice cream, and later returned to watch another game.

Following his arrest, details of Foster-Smith's criminal history also emerged.

According to a BBC report, he served more than two years in prison in 2023 after being convicted of stalking and harassment. After his release, a harassment prevention order was issued against him in January this year. Under the order, he was prohibited from contacting the victims and was required to regularly inform police of his address and the vehicles he used.

Meanwhile, the investigation into Natalia's death is ongoing. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the killing. The case has reignited concerns in Colombia over violence against women, particularly regarding the safety of foreign nationals and people staying in short-term rental accommodations.

Source: Mirror US