A 54-year-old woman, Zulma Guzman Castro, wanted in Colombia for an alleged murder and attempted murder case, has been detained pending an extradition hearing after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Guzman Castro, dressed in a black jacket and white-and-black striped top, verified her identity in court and declined consent for extradition. Colombian authorities seek her in connection with the suspected poisoning of two teenage girls who died after consuming raspberries laced with a toxic substance.
According to reports, Guzman Castro was discovered in the River Thames near Battersea Bridge last month. Prosecutor Rosemary Davidson informed the court that Guzman Castro had a history of being detained under the Mental Health Act and was apprehended by authorities at the hospital shortly after her release on Tuesday.
The Metropolitan Police disclosed that Guzman Castro was rescued from the water by the Marine Policing Unit following reports of a distressed woman on Battersea Bridge. She was taken to the hospital, where her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening or life-altering. District Judge Sarah Turnock remanded Guzman Castro in custody pending a case management hearing scheduled for January 12.
An NCA spokesperson confirmed the arrest of Zulma Guzman Castro in the W10 area of London by officers from the NCA’s National Extradition Unit. The spokesperson stated that Guzman Castro is wanted by Colombian authorities for murder and attempted murder charges. She is set to make an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later in the day.