A 54-year-old woman, identified as Zulma Guzman Castro, was held in custody pending an extradition hearing for alleged murder and attempted murder charges in Colombia. Guzman Castro, who was arrested in London after being found in the River Thames near Battersea Bridge, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Colombian authorities seek her in connection with the poisoning of two teenage girls who died from consuming raspberries laced with a toxic substance.
During the court appearance, Guzman Castro, dressed in a black jacket and white-and-black striped top, confirmed her identity but declined consent for extradition. Prosecutors disclosed that she had a previous detention under the Mental Health Act and was apprehended by police at a hospital post-discharge.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police reported that Guzman Castro was rescued from the water by the Marine Policing Unit following distress calls on December 16. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital. District Judge Sarah Turnock remanded her in custody until a case management hearing scheduled for January 12.
The National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit arrested Guzman Castro in the W10 area of London. The agency confirmed that she faces extradition to Colombia for murder and attempted murder charges. She was set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the same day.