Eight deaths of American tourists in Medellin that alerted the embassy – Medellin – Colombia

This US Embassy It warned its citizens to “remain alert, maintain high situational awareness and incorporate robust personal safety practices into their activities” when visiting. Madeleine.

(In context: US tells its citizens not to use dating apps in Medellin because of robberies and murders).

American authorities confirmed that, between November 1 and December 31, 2023, it had learned of eight deaths of Americans in the capital of Antioquia under “suspicious” circumstances.

“These deaths are not believed to be related, as each involved different circumstances; however, some deaths point to possible drugs, robberies and overdoses, and some involve the use of online dating applications,” he said.

The deaths of Americans that alerted the embassy

Johnny Jerome

His death was reported in early November. According to the first reports, he arrived in the city to celebrate his birthday.

A cousin, with whom he was travelling, said they had spoken to two women, who had left the spot early in the morning. hours later, Jerome, 45 and born in New York, was found dead in a jacuzzi. There were no signs of violence.

“Johnny Jerome was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. Sadly, he left us on his birthday,” his family wrote in the obituary.

Michael Eugene and Andrew Shoyoye

This is the only death in the period analyzed by the embassy that is not linked to robbery, murder or drugs.

Americans were injured when a chimney exploded in a Medellin apartment. Due to severe burns on his body, he managed to get medical attention; However, they died.

Andrew Shoyoye, a business administrator, was about to turn 40, so he arrived in Columbia as part of a vacation.

Geoffrey Hutson Hewett

The 55-year-old man was found dead in his hotel room on November 11., located in the El Poblado sector. He had more than 20 stab wounds.

Jeffrey Hutson Hewett had a degree in communications and was “affiliated with a sales company, specializing in preparing bids for California universities and government agencies,” his obituary read.

In this case, an 18-year-old girl was sent to jail after being accused of murder.. “The investigators established that on that day, a foreigner entered the place where the incidents took place with the defendant,” said Yuri Amado, director of the Medellin Prosecutor’s Office section.

Marcel Petrenu

Petrenu, 55, was also killed on November 14. He was originally from Aventura, Florida.

Based on the report of the authorities, The American was leaving an establishment in El Poblado with a woman when he was stopped by men trying to rob him.

“In the struggle, one of the criminals brandishes a gun and wounds the foreign national, who is rushed to an urgent care center where he dies,” said Colonel Richard Fajardo of the Metropolitan Police of the Valley of Boring. Time.

Two people were arrested to answer for the murder. Apart from this, a motorcycle was seized from him.

Mike Smith

The 34-year-old American was found dead in a house in Loma de las Brujas in Envigado., which he rented on a visit to Antioquia. According to the first information, there he was chatting with a woman he met online.

The crime, reported in the early hours of November 26, was allegedly committed with a crosshead that officers observed at the scene. The presumption of the case is that it was a robbery.

Tou Ger Xiong

An Asian-American was found dead in La Corcovada Gorge in Medellin. The man, 50 years old, was a famous comedian, lecturer and activist.

He arrived in Medellin at the end of November. In fact, he was at a concert by singer Carol Gee. During his time in Colombia, he met a woman he met through a social network.

“On Sunday, December 10, he went out to meet a woman he had contacted and at 7pm he called a friend in the United States on his cell phone and said they wanted $2,000 from him. His release. ” said Yiri Amado, director of the prosecutor’s office department in Medellin.

He suffered a sharp weapon injury and is believed to have been thrown from a height of 15 meters into a ravine.. “Tau Ger Xiong is more than just a man; he exemplifies the roles of son, brother, uncle, nephew, others. He is a crucial member of the community,” his family commented in mourning the killing.

Philip Ryan Mullins

The man, originally from Tennessee, may have died of an overdose of psychoactive substances Inside a hotel room in Medellin.

He was spotted partying with his friends in the city on December 15. When they went to look for him at the hotel the next morning, he did not open the door, necessitating the presence of officers.

He had a daughter with Ellie Pittman, who raised funds on the GoFundMe platform to support the transfer of relatives to Colombia to bring the body of Ryan Mullins.

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