The Colombian Attorney General’s Office has formally charged an American, John Nelson Poulos, with aggravated femicide, concealment, alteration and destruction of material evidence in the death of Valentina Trespalacios. The shock waves of this case have been felt all over Colombia and the rest of the world.

The evidence, according to the Attorney General’s Office, suggests Trespalacios was beaten and suffocated in the midst of a jealous rage before her body was wrapped, hidden in a blue suitcase, and abandoned in a garbage container in the town of Fontibón. The security cameras captured Poulos’ movements, leading to his arrest.

During the hearing, Poulos’ defense expressed disagreement with the accusation and requested an annulment twice, claiming his representative had not understood the charges due to the language barrier. However, the criminal judge of knowledge rejected the annulment petitions and determined that the preparatory hearing for the oral trial would begin on July 18th.

The murder of Trespalacios has been met with horror in Colombia, and criminal law contemplates penalties of up to 50 years in prison just for the crime of femicide. This case has provoked deep emotions and a great sense of justice among Colombians, who are demanding justice and a severe sentence for Poulos.