From The Rio Times · Rocco Caldero · · 1m 10s
Puerto Rican Man Found Dead in Medellín Hotel
Puerto Rican technology consultant Gustavo Javier Rodríguez Meléndez died in Medellín hotel room, homicide investigation ongoing.
In brief
Puerto Rican technology consultant Gustavo Javier Rodríguez Meléndez died in Medellín hotel room, homicide investigation ongoing. A 53-year-old Puerto Rican technology consultant was found dead in Medellín, Colombia, with homicide investigation pending. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Who was Gustavo Javier Rodríguez Meléndez
A 53-year-old Puerto Rican technology consultant and US citizen who often visited Medellín.
“Gustavo Javier Rodríguez Meléndez, 53, a Puerto Rican technology consultant and US citizen who often visited Medellín”
Found Dead in Medellín Hotel Room
His body was discovered in a hotel room in Laureles, Medellín, Colombia on Monday 19 October 2026.
“He was found dead in his hotel room in Medellín, Colombia, on Monday 19 October 2026”
Homicide Investigation
Puerto Rican media report it is being investigated as a homicide with cause of death pending.
“Puerto Rican media report that it is being investigated as a homicide”
No Arrests Reported
No arrests have been made and the autopsy by Colombia’s forensic medicine institute is pending.
“The cause of death has not been established, and no arrests have been reported”
Driver Raised Alarm
A driver who regularly took him around became worried because he had not answered messages.
“The driver became worried because Rodríguez Meléndez had not answered his messages”
Scopolamine Hypothesis
Local media suggest a robbery involving scopolamine, known locally as burundanga.
“Local media say one preliminary hypothesis is a robbery in which the victim was given a substance, possibly scopolamine, known locally as "burundanga"”
Puerto Rico Government Response
Puerto Rico’s Department of State confirmed awareness and contacted Colombia’s consulate.
“Puerto Rico’s Department of State said it is aware of the death and has contacted Colombia’s consulate in Puerto Rico”
Autopsy Pending
The cause of death remains unknown as Colombia’s forensic medicine institute awaits autopsy results.
“The cause of death has not been established. The autopsy by Medicina Legal, Colombia’s forensic medicine institute, is still pending”
What it means
A 53-year-old Puerto Rican technology consultant was found dead in Medellín, Colombia, with homicide investigation pending.
