Colombia: Police investigation into death of foreign national in Medellin ongoing as of March 3

Event

A police investigation into the death of a foreign tourist (dual British/Swedish national) in Medellin is ongoing as of March 3. The victim went missing after going hiking on Feb. 27 in the Cerro de las Tres Cruces area of the city and was found two days later with critical head injuries and died in hospital on March 1. Authorities believe he was injured during a suspected robbery. No arrests have been made as of March 3, but officials indicate that suspects have been identified.

Context

Crime in Medellin has been decreasing over the past decades, and in recent years the murder rate has been around 16 murders per 100,000 residents. However, authorities have reported a high number of robberies, and at times homicides, to foreign visitors. Reports indicate at least 25 foreign travelers were killed in Medellin in 2022.