A 54-year-old woman, Zulma Guzman Castro, facing charges of murder and attempted murder in Colombia, has been detained pending an extradition hearing. Guzman Castro, who was arrested in London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being found near Battersea Bridge. Colombian authorities seek her in connection with the alleged poisoning of two teenage girls who died from consuming toxic raspberries.
During the court session, Guzman Castro, dressed in a black jacket and a white-and-black striped top, acknowledged her identity but declined to consent to extradition. Prosecutor Rosemary Davidson informed the court that Guzman Castro had a history of being detained under the Mental Health Act and was apprehended by police at a hospital shortly after her discharge.
The Metropolitan Police reported that Guzman Castro was rescued from the River Thames and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. District Judge Sarah Turnock ordered her to remain in custody until a case management hearing scheduled for January 12.
A spokesperson from the National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed Guzman Castro’s arrest by the NCA’s National Extradition Unit in London. The NCA stated that she is wanted by Colombian authorities for murder and attempted murder charges. Guzman Castro is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for further proceedings.