Who is Zulma Guzman Castro and what is she accused of?

Zulma Guzman Castro is a Colombian fugitive accused of murdering two schoolgirls by poisoning them with thallium-laced raspberries.

How was Zulma Guzman Castro captured?

She was rescued from the River Thames in London by the RNLI, who were unaware of her fugitive status until after the rescue.

Where did the alleged murders of Ines de Bedout and Emilia Forero take place?

The alleged murders of Ines de Bedout and Emilia Forero took place in Bogota, Colombia, after they consumed poisoned fruit.

Home / Crime and Justice / Thames Rescue: Fugitive Killer Caught by Lifeboat Crew

Thames Rescue: Fugitive Killer Caught by Lifeboat Crew

15 Jan

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Summary

Colombian fugitive captured by RNLI after months on the run.
Suspect accused of poisoning two schoolgirls with thallium.
Rescue occurred from the icy River Thames in west London.

Thames Rescue: Fugitive Killer Caught by Lifeboat Crew

Zulma Guzman Castro, a fugitive from Colombia, has been apprehended in London after a months-long international manhunt. The 54-year-old businesswoman is accused of murdering two schoolgirls, Ines de Bedout and Emilia Forero, in Bogota by poisoning them with thallium-laced raspberries on April 3, 2025. Castro had evaded authorities in Colombia, Brazil, and Spain since leaving her home country on April 13, 2025.

Her evasion ended dramatically on December 16, 2025, when she was rescued from the frigid River Thames near Battersea Bridge by the RNLI's Chiswick branch. The lifeboat crew, initially unaware of her identity, were surprised by her reluctance to be rescued. After being handed over to emergency services, her fugitive status was discovered the following day.

Castro, who denies the allegations and claims her relationship with one of the victim's fathers is the reason for the accusation, was held in a psychiatric unit. She was arrested by the National Crime Agency on January 6, 2026, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court for an extradition hearing.