Incident and Initial Police Action
This shocking double homicide occurred in the town of Tauste, in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain. On Saturday evening, relatives of the couple (the wife’s sister and brother-in-law) went to check on them at their home on Ronda Val de Volvi street after being unable to make contact, only to discover the tragedy.
After receiving the alert, officers from the Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) quickly arrived and cordoned off the scene. Forensic and criminal investigators conducted a detailed examination of the residence to gather evidence and clues. To date, officials have not released any detailed information regarding the motive, suspects, or specific cause of death, as the case remains in the early stages of a thorough investigation.
Victim Identity: Leader in Aragon’s Agricultural Union
The male victim was 67-year-old Javier Sánchez Ansó, a prominent figure in the agricultural union sector in both Aragon and across Spain. Born in Tauste in 1959, the same town where the incident occurred, Sánchez dedicated his career to defending the rights of farmers.
He joined the Union of Farmers and Ranchers of Aragon (UAGA Aragón) in 1993 and served as its secretary-general for 11 years, from 1999 to 2010. His wife, Esther Latorre, was killed alongside him.
A Long-time Advocate for Farmers’ Rights
Throughout his career, Javier Sánchez was known for his firm stance and tireless efforts. He was dedicated to protecting and developing the interests of family farms and small to medium-sized agricultural producers. He was a vocal proponent of ‘food sovereignty’ and ecological farming. Furthermore, he campaigned extensively to ensure fair and reasonable incomes for agricultural operators, and his work had a profound impact on agricultural policy in the Aragon region.
Remained Active in Agriculture and Politics After Stepping Down
Even after stepping down as secretary-general in 2010, Sánchez did not withdraw from public life. He continued to serve within UAGA as the head of the Cinco Villas region, consistently working for grassroots farmers. His influence also extended to the international stage, where he was involved with the international peasant organization La Vía Campesina and institutions related to the UN’s work on family farming. Additionally, Sánchez ventured into politics, running in the 2015 local elections as a representative for the United Left (Izquierda Unida).
