A woman and her 22-year-old daughter allegedly lived with the decomposing body of a 75-year-old doctor for around two years inside their home near Barcelona, after leaving his remains covered on a sofa, Spanish authorities said.
Police discovered the body of Albert Soler at the property in Cabrera d’Anoia, west of Barcelona, after neighbours raised concerns about the condition of the home and unusual activity surrounding the family.
Investigators believe Soler died of natural causes sometime in 2024, although they are still working to establish exactly what happened after his death.
Forensic experts reportedly determined that he had died from natural causes. Authorities have also said that some parts of his remains have yet to be accounted for.
Neighbours Raise The Alarm
Police were alerted after residents noticed rubbish accumulating around the property and the family’s car being repeatedly left unlocked.
Dozens of parcels had reportedly been left outside the house, while neighbours said they had not seen anyone entering or leaving the property for long periods.
Authorities also found that the home had recorded no water consumption for at least two years.
Officers went to the property on Wednesday, where Soler’s 59-year-old widow opened the door and led them inside.
Police described the condition of the home as “deplorable” before discovering the remains on the living room sofa, reportedly covered by a blanket.
Soler was said to have been a specialist in homeopathic medicine and a university professor in Barcelona.
‘We Didn’t Know What To Do’
Police said the widow and daughter were taken to hospital for an urgent assessment after the discovery.
They were not arrested.
Cabrera d’Anoia Deputy Mayor Salustia Monteagudo said the two women told officers they did not know what to do after Soler died or whom they should inform.
“[The pair] told officers they didn’t know what to do after he died or who they should communicate his death to and they simply left him where he was and covered him up,” Monteagudo said.
Authorities are now investigating why the death was never reported and what happened inside the property over the following two years.
Reports also said the psychiatric condition of the mother and daughter was a concern, prompting the hospital assessment.
Possible Motive Under Investigation
Investigators have yet to establish why Soler’s death was kept secret.
A source close to the investigation claimed the widow and daughter later admitted concealing his body so they could continue receiving his pension.
However, that claim has not been confirmed by police, and it contrasts with the account attributed to the women that they did not know whom to notify after his death.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Soler’s death and the family’s actions after it.
The case comes shortly after another investigation in Spain involving a woman and her partner who were arrested over allegations that they concealed the body of an elderly relative for years.
In that case, authorities reportedly suspected the body had been hidden so the pair could continue collecting the man’s pension.
