A former Spanish Civil Guard officer is accused of murdering his wife, dismembering her body and boiling some of her remains before dumping bags containing body parts along a beach in Gran Canaria.
The alleged killing took place in 2020 during Spain’s Covid-19 lockdown, with investigators discovering scattered remains belonging to the 59-year-old woman along the seafront at Playa del Ingles, a popular holiday resort in the Canary Islands.
Some of the remains were found near the Dunamar Hotel, a busy shopping centre and a Lidl supermarket.
Investigators reportedly discovered plastic bags containing body parts, including cooked skin from the victim’s head. Forensic experts have been unable to establish the exact cause of death because the remains were so badly damaged.
Prosecutors allege the killing occurred inside the couple’s apartment at the Aida complex. The husband, who was 70 at the time, allegedly used a saw, knife and hammer in the attack.
Forensic experts believe the dismemberment process may have taken more than two days. Tests subsequently confirmed that some of the remains had been cooked.
Alleged cover-up and troubled marriage
According to reports, the accused initially told investigators that his wife had suffered an agonising death before changing his account and claiming she had died instantly.
He is also accused of forging a suicide note in an attempt to conceal her disappearance. The message allegedly claimed that she did not want to be found.
Investigators were told the couple had a volatile relationship, with neighbours reportedly describing frequent arguments.
Witnesses also claimed to have seen the victim with a black eye before her death.
The former officer allegedly confessed to the killing at one stage and described walking along the seafront, discarding bags containing human remains at different locations around the tourist resort.
His alleged account detailed how he disposed of the bags one by one while walking through the area, according to police reports.
The case has been described as one of the most disturbing crimes to have shaken the Canary Islands in recent years.
Faces 17-year prison demand
The former officer has remained behind bars since 2020 and is due to stand trial on charges of homicide and desecration of a corpse.
Prosecutors are seeking a 17-year prison sentence and €250,000 in compensation for the couple’s two children.
Further psychiatric reports are being sought ahead of the trial. His plea has not yet been confirmed.
The allegations have yet to be determined in court.
