In a shocking turn of events, the mayor of Santa Marta, a bustling coastal city in Colombia, has announced a substantial reward of over $11,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the gruesome murder of Italian biologist Alessandro Coatti.

The chilling details emerged after friends reported the 45-year-old missing just days after his arrival in the vibrant city. Coatti was last seen staying at a local hostel, where he had settled to conduct research on the region's diverse animal species.

Tragically, his dismembered body was discovered on the outskirts of Santa Marta nestled inside a suitcase. Reports indicate that remains, including a head, hands, and feet, were found by authorities on Sunday, igniting a wave of horror and disbelief.

Coatti was not just a traveler; he was a passionate advocate for biology, serving as a science policy officer at the prestigious Royal Society of Biology in London. With a reputation for intelligence, warmth, and humor, his contributions to animal science were significant, including numerous writings and testimonies in the House of Commons. The Royal Society of Biology expressed their deep sorrow, saying, "He will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him."

Local reports suggest that Coatti was eager to explore the nearby village of Minca, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. His ambition to study and document local species underscores the tragic loss of a dedicated scientist.

While Santa Marta draws many tourists to its picturesque coastline, it has also gained a reputation for violence, with 194 homicides recorded just this year. Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello vowed that Coatti's brutal killing will not go unpunished, urging anyone with information to come forward.

As the investigation unfolds, the local community mourns the loss of a passionate scientist whose life was cut tragically short.