Story By Marija Stojkoska
News Editor Ajda Ender
A British man and a US citizen have been identified as primary suspects and are being actively sought by Colombian authorities after the body of a 36-year-old model was found inside a suitcase at a rented luxury apartment.
Picture shows Natalia Villalba Angarita, undated. She was found dead in a suitcase in Bogota, Colombia. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
The victim was identified by authorities as Natalia Villalba Angarita, 36, after her body was discovered inside a travel suitcase in a bathroom of a luxury short-term rental apartment in the district of Chapinero, in the city of Bogota, Colombia, on 22nd June.
Police and forensic teams were called to the scene after staff at the building attempted to contact guests as the booking time was due to expire.
Picture shows the body of Natalia Villalba Angarita in the suitcase, undated. She was found dead in a suitcase in Bogota, Colombia. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
A cleaner entered the apartment on the 7th floor after receiving no response and initially believed the space to be empty.
While moving through the property, she heard running water coming from the bathroom and went to investigate.
Picture shows Natalia Villalba Angarita, undated. She was found dead in a suitcase in Bogota, Colombia. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Inside the bathroom, she found a suitcase placed near the shower area and immediately alerted building management.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police arrived shortly afterwards and confirmed that the suitcase contained the body of a woman.
Picture shows Natalia Villalba Angarita, undated. She was found dead in a suitcase in Bogota, Colombia. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
The Criminal Investigation Unit (CTI) of the Attorney General’s Office began an inspection of the apartment and collected personal belongings found at the scene.
Investigators recovered two passports belonging to the victim, one of which was expired while the other was still valid and contained travel stamps.
Picture shows Natalia Villalba Angarita, undated. She was found dead in a suitcase in Bogota, Colombia. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Authorities said the documents showed records of entries and exits from Spain during recent travel.
Forensic specialists transferred the body to the Institute of Legal Medicine, where examinations are being carried out to determine the exact time and circumstances of death.
Picture shows Natalia Villalba Angarita, undated. She was found dead in a suitcase in Bogota, Colombia. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
The forensic team’s preliminary findings classified the case as intentional homicide and a violent death.
Officials said investigators are working to reconstruct the victim’s final movements using CCTV footage from the building and surrounding area.
Picture shows Natalia Villalba Angarita, undated. She was found dead in a suitcase in Bogota, Colombia. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Security recordings indicate that the apartment had been booked in multiple periods in early and mid-June under a short-term rental arrangement.
During the investigation, two foreign nationals were identified in the building’s access records, including a citizen of the United States and a citizen of the United Kingdom.
In one of the reviewed surveillance videos, a man believed to be the British national was seen moving bedding towards a laundry area inside the building.
Authorities said both individuals are being linked to entries and movements recorded in the apartment during the victim’s stay.
The first individual was registered as staying in the apartment during the early part of her booking, between 3rd June and 7th June.
The British national was linked to the property during the latter period of her stay, from 7th June to 21st June.
Authorities are now checking migration databases to establish whether the two men have left Colombia or remain in the country.
Picture shows the door of the apartment where Natalia Villalba Angarita, was found undated. She was found dead in a suitcase in Bogota, Colombia. Note: Private picture. (Newsflash/NX)
Police said all available footage, guest logs and electronic records are being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Residents in the Chapinero district reported an increased police presence around the building as forensic teams continued their work.
The case has drawn widespread attention locally as investigators continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
(Marija Stojkoska/Newsflash)
