In a tragic and shocking incident, the dismembered body of Alessandro Coatti, a 42-year-old Italian molecular biologist, was discovered in Santa Marta, Colombia, on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Coatti's remains were found in a suitcase near the Sierra Nevada stadium in the Villa Betel neighborhood, igniting a wave of horror and outrage in both Colombia and Italy.
Coatti, originally from Portomaggiore in the province of Ferrara, had traveled to South America for a vacation, having already visited Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia since January 2025. He arrived in Santa Marta on March 28, 2025, and checked into the Marovi hotel. However, he was last seen alive on April 4, when he left his accommodation in search of a taxi to visit the nearby Tayrona National Park, a popular natural reserve.
Witnesses reported seeing suspicious individuals near the market close to the hotel on the night before Coatti's disappearance. The gruesome discovery of his body parts, including his head and arms found in a suitcase, was made by local children. The torso was later found in a plastic bag floating in the Manzanares River, near the La Platina bridge.
The local police chief, Jaime Rios Puerto, confirmed that Coatti had no criminal connections and had not received any threats prior to his death. He described Coatti as a "tourist, a scientist, without any suspicious ties." The Italian embassy in Bogota is closely monitoring the investigation, providing assistance to Coatti's family and maintaining communication with Colombian authorities.
In response to this horrific crime, the mayor of Santa Marta, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, announced a reward of 50 million pesos (approximately 10,000 euros) for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. The mayor emphasized that "this crime will not go unpunished," asserting that criminal activity has no place in Santa Marta.
Coatti had a distinguished academic background, having graduated with top honors in Molecular Neurobiology from the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa and later obtaining a master's degree from University College London. He worked at the Royal Society of Biology in London for eight years, where he was highly regarded for his dedication and contributions to scientific policy.
His former colleagues at the Royal Society expressed their shock and sadness at the news of Coatti's death, describing him as a passionate and meticulous scientist who was deeply respected by his peers. "Alessandro, known as Ale, will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him," the organization stated in a heartfelt message.
As investigations continue, the Italian authorities are considering opening a case regarding the violent death of an Italian citizen abroad. The possibility of collaboration between Colombian and Italian law enforcement agencies has been raised, with the hope of bringing justice for Coatti.
This tragic event has not only left a mark on Coatti's family and friends but has also raised concerns about safety for tourists in Colombia. The area where Coatti was found is reportedly influenced by paramilitary groups, although there are currently no indications linking these groups to his murder.
In the days following the discovery of Coatti's remains, the local community has expressed its condolences and solidarity with his family. The news has reverberated across international media, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures for travelers in regions known for violence and crime.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving such crimes. The investigation into Alessandro Coatti's death remains ongoing, with hopes that those responsible will soon be brought to justice.
As the search for answers continues, the legacy of Alessandro Coatti, a dedicated scientist and passionate traveler, will be remembered by those who knew him and the broader scientific community.
