The death of Valentina Trespalacios sent shockwaves throughout Colombia. Her body was found in a garbage bag, showing signs of having suffered major trauma. According to the Forensic Medicine report, she had many injuries, including facial congestion, edema, blunt force trauma on her arms, sacral region, and cheek, as well as bruises on her labial mucosa. The evidence pointed to a night of extreme violence leading to her death.
The country was taken aback after security footage revealed the events of the fatal night that Valentina shared with American John Poulos. SEMANA published videos that left no doubt that Poulos meticulously planned, executed, and attempted to conceal evidence of the murder. He then fled the scene but was captured in Panama. The footage showed Poulos leaving the apartment with Valentina’s body hidden in a suitcase, leaving her head exposed, covered with a blanket that was later found next to her body in the trash.
On January 22, at 10:03 AM, Poulos was captured on camera struggling to lift the suitcase with Valentina’s body inside, using the blanket to hide her head.
In a shocking interview with SEMANA, Poulos claims to have no recollection of the events on the night of the murder. Despite admitting to partying and having a hangover, he denies any memory of the fatal night.
Poulos continues to strategize his defense in court by claiming amnesia about the events of the murder. However, the Prosecutor’s Office has collected evidence pointing to premeditation in the feminicide.
According to the indictment of charges, Poulos engaged in sexual relations with Valentina and then violently attacked her, leading to her death. The prosecutor detailed the extent of the injuries inflicted on Valentina, concluding that she died from asphyxiation caused by strangulation.
The Attorney General’s Office revealed that Poulos saw Valentina as his personal possession, exercising control and surveillance over her. The prosecution cited a cycle of psychological violence leading up to the crime, characterized by jealousy and control over Valentina’s personal life.
Now, Poulos seeks to portray himself as a victim of substance-induced memory loss. His claims of innocence stand in stark contrast to the evidence collected by authorities, as Colombia awaits the truth to emerge.