Italy investigates murder of scientist Coatti in Colombia

Alessandro Coatti, an Italian molecular biologist formerly with the Royal Society of Biology in London, was last seen on April 3 in Santa Marta, Colombia, before his dismembered remains were found in various locations around the city. Investigators from Italy are collaborating with Colombian authorities to probe his murder, which may have been a case of mistaken identity amid gang violence in the area. Local officials have linked Coatti’s death to a pattern of similar murders, where victims have been tortured and dismembered, though there is no evidence connecting him to organized crime. The mayor of Santa Marta has labeled the incident a homicide and offered a reward for information. Coatti was remembered by colleagues as a warm and intelligent individual, deeply passionate about his work. The investigation is ongoing, with Italian prosecutors exploring potential connections to criminal gangs operating in the region.