Jury Verdict: Murder Conviction, Some Charges Dismissed
A popular jury has reached a verdict in a violent shooting case in Atarfe, a municipality in the province of Granada, Spain. The nine jurors unanimously found the young male defendant guilty of murder, concluding that his actions demonstrated a clear intent to kill. However, the jury dismissed another charge from the prosecution—that the victim’s 3-year-old daughter was present at the scene and suffered psychological trauma—citing insufficient evidence.
Case Recap: ‘Execution-Style’ Shooting with Three Close-Range Shots
The deadly incident occurred at midday on January 16, 2024. The 34-year-old victim was sitting in a van parked on the street. The defendant, who did not have a legal firearms permit, approached the vehicle and fired three shots into the victim’s head from less than 10 centimeters away. The extreme violence caused severe brain damage, and the victim died approximately half an hour after the attack.
Trial Focus: Self-Defense Claim Rejected, Confession Key to Reduced Sentence
During the trial, the defendant claimed he fired in self-defense out of “extreme fear,” alleging the victim had first pointed a weapon at him. His defense team used this argument to push for a manslaughter conviction and, factoring in the defendant’s confession, requested a six-year prison sentence. However, after analyzing the facts, the jury rejected the “insurmountable fear” defense, ruling that firing three shots at close range was characteristic of premeditated murder. Nevertheless, the defendant’s action of turning himself in after the crime was recognized as a legal mitigating factor.
Case Background: A Bloody Feud Between Two Families
This case has drawn significant media attention because of its link to a long-standing and bloody feud between two local families. These families were reportedly already at odds, with a history of shootouts, vehicle rammings, and an unresolved disappearance case. Due to the brutal nature of this crime and its severe social impact, the public prosecutor’s office had initially sought a heavy sentence of 31 to 33 years. Although the jury has delivered a guilty verdict, the final sentence will be determined by the presiding judge. This tragedy has irrevocably shattered two families already torn apart by deep-seated animosity.
