First Death in 2010 from Domestic Violence
January 4th, 2010
“We had high hopes for the new year and then this happens.” The mayor of El Cuervo (Seville), Juan Garrido, summed up the mood of the 8,500 residents of the municipality after learning of the death of Josefa R. Z, aged 45, at the hands of her husband.
She is the first victim of domestic violence in Spain in 2010. Josefa’s death occurred at about four o’clock on Sunday at her family home, where they lived with one of her two sons, aged 22 years. Juan Manuel EC, aged 53, handed himself in at the local police station, explaining that he had strangled his wife. Officers rushed to the house, but could only certify the death of Josefa.
The body remains at the Forensic Anatomic Institute pending an autopsy, while the alleged offender is detained pending court proceedings. This is the first ever victim of domestic violence in El Cuervo, who have now declared three days of mourning and suspended the traditional Three Kings Parade.
Municipal sources stressed that the couple had many disagreements and had separated several times, but always returned to to each other. The husband had not worked for years due to a recognised disability, and according to some residents was a “little depressed”. However, at no time had Josefa claimed any ill-treatment or asked social services for any assistance, as confirmed by the Andalusian Women’s Institute (AMI).
The AMI also reiterated that any women who suffer from any form of domestic violence should “speak out”.
UPDATE: A Court in Lebrija (Sevilla) has declared unconditional prison without bail for the man accused of murdering his wife.
