A British doctor wanted in connection with the murder of a Colombian model discovered in a suitcase has been apprehended in Ecuador. Matthew Foster-Smith, taken into custody at Quito International Airport, was identified as a person of interest by authorities in Bogota investigating the death of Natalia Villalba.

Prior to his arrest, the 46-year-old from Poole, Dorset, denied any involvement in the crime. He asserted his innocence to the press, stating, “It wasn’t me. I was watching England,” before leaving Colombia a day before the victim’s body was found.

Colombian authorities revealed that Foster-Smith was intercepted at the airport while attempting to purchase a ticket to Europe, traced through his telephone communications. Subsequently, he was detained based on an arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice issued by prosecutors in Bogota.

According to Colombian officials, evidence suggests that Foster-Smith entered the victim’s apartment, assaulted her leading to her death, and then manipulated her body to conceal it in a suitcase. He allegedly tampered with the crime scene and fled the location in an attempt to cover up the incident.

The Attorney General’s Office in Colombia confirmed the detention and stated their intention to prosecute Foster-Smith for aggravated femicide and tampering with evidence. Natalia Villalba’s body was discovered in a suitcase in the bathroom of a seventh-floor apartment in Bogota.

Reports indicate that Natalia had initially checked into her apartment with a man from Texas before extending her stay. Dorset Police collaborated in Foster-Smith’s arrest, with Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan acknowledging the successful apprehension of the suspect in Ecuador.

Foster-Smith departed Colombia via the Rumichaca International Bridge and claimed to have a solid alibi, mentioning he was at an Irish bar watching a football match before leaving due to alleged death threats from local criminals.