LONDON (AP) — Yostin Andres Mosquera, a 34-year-old Colombian man, appeared in a London court on Monday, facing charges for the murders of two men whose dismembered remains were found in suitcases in southwest England.
Mosquera was charged with killing Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, according to London’s Metropolitan Police.
During the brief hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, Mosquera, assisted by a Spanish interpreter, only confirmed his name, address, and date of birth. Magistrate Christina Ruiz ordered his detention until his next appearance at London’s Central Criminal Court on Wednesday.
Authorities revealed that the victims had previously been in a relationship and were still living together at the time of their deaths. Mosquera had been staying with them at their west London apartment.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine clarified that, based on the evidence, there is currently no indication of a homophobic motive behind the murders. He also reassured the public that while investigations continue, they are not searching for additional suspects in connection with the case.
Mosquera was apprehended at a train station in Bristol on Saturday, three days after the gruesome discovery of body parts inside suitcases found on the city’s Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Police had received reports about a man acting suspiciously near the iconic bridge around midnight on Wednesday. However, by the time they arrived, the man had already left the scene.
