Niece and her partner arrested over the homicide of a man in Arganza, León
The Guardia Civil arrested two people for the violent death of a 78-year-old resident found in May. The investigation points to an economic motive.
Arrested over the death of an elderly man in Arganza: DNA guided the investigation towards his niece
The Guardia Civil detained a woman and her partner on Tuesday as alleged perpetrators of the homicide of her uncle, a 78-year-old man whose body was found on 18 May on a plot of land in Arganza, León. According to El Mundo, those arrested will appear before judicial authorities in the coming hours.
The victim's relatives, identified as Domingo S.M., reported his disappearance on 18 May after having no news of him since the previous day. The body was discovered a few hours later on a parcel of land near the town hall and a children's play area, a habitual location for the man, who used to take his flock of sheep and goats there.
Initially, the authorities treated the discovery as an accidental occurrence. The investigation changed direction upon confirming that the body bore multiple blows to the head, which pointed to a violent death.
The decisive breakthrough came with the discovery of a possible object used as a weapon. Analysis of that item yielded DNA samples which guided the investigation towards the victim's immediate circle, and in particular towards his niece and her partner.
Among the hypotheses being considered by investigators is an economic motive: despite leading an austere lifestyle, the deceased had assets of considerable value, according to confirmation from the Government Sub-delegation in León.
The investigation remains open. The proceedings have been declared confidential by the judicial authority, so the authorities have not provided further details to avoid interfering with ongoing actions. Investigators are also examining whether the crime was premeditated.
Source: El Mundo