Suspect arrested in Colombia over death of Dutch tourist

BOGOTÁ — Colombian police have arrested a suspect in connection with the death of 41-year-old Dutch woman Marlies Genz, whose body was found in a lake in western Colombia at the end of May.

According to local outlet La Crónica del Quindío, the suspect is a Venezuelan man who was arrested in the center of Salento, a popular tourist town about 160 kilometers from Bogotá. He is expected to appear before a judge in a preliminary hearing.

Genz was traveling in Colombia and staying in Salento. On May 25, she left her hostel for a hike through coffee fields but never arrived at a farm where she was expected to check in.

Six days later, her body was found in a lake. In late June, her family confirmed that her death was the result of a crime.

Attorney Sébas Diekstra, who represents the family, described the arrest as “an important development.” He said the family’s priority is now to establish exactly what happened to Genz and ensure that whoever is responsible is held accountable.

Her family said the past months have been emotionally difficult and hopes the arrest will soon provide more clarity about the circumstances and motive behind her death.