In February 2021, a tragedy shook the residents of the small Catalan town of Calella. A man who had escaped from prison broke into the apartment of a 96-year-old woman and committed a brutal crime. He attacked the pensioner, stabbing her multiple times, then stole valuables and fled the scene.
The court proceedings in this case concluded in 2025. The defendant, who was 57 at the time of the crime, confessed and agreed to a plea deal. As a result, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for murder with exceptional cruelty and violent robbery. In addition, he was ordered to pay the victim’s relatives €800,000 in compensation.
Crime details
On the day of the crime, the man had escaped from the Quatre Camins correctional facility and noticed an open door at the elderly woman’s home. He entered, threatened her with a knife, and forced her further into the apartment. In the hallway, he struck the first blow, then seated the victim in a chair. When the woman tried to go to the kitchen, he caught up with her, knocked her to the floor, and stabbed her several more times, resulting in her death.
After committing the crime, the perpetrator took a mobile phone, a Seiko wristwatch, several pieces of jewelry, and €90 in cash. He then left the apartment, leaving the woman’s body behind. Police later recovered some of the stolen items — the phone and watch were returned to the family, but the jewelry was never found.
Court verdict
The court panel found the man guilty on several counts: aggravated murder, violent robbery, and repeat offense. The verdict notes that the perpetrator took advantage of his physical strength, the element of surprise, and the fact that he was armed. The court prohibited the convict from approaching the victim’s children and grandchildren, and ordered him to pay €200,000 to each of her two children and €100,000 to each of her four grandchildren.
The victim’s family waived part of the compensation for the stolen jewelry, as the insurance company had already paid them €8,830 for the lost valuables. Otherwise, the relatives insisted on the maximum punishment for the perpetrator.
Consequences for the convict
At the time of sentencing, the man was already in custody awaiting trial. Now he faces another 25 years in prison. The court also ruled that after his release, he will be barred from approaching the victim’s family members and must pay the ordered compensation.
The case sparked widespread public outcry in Catalonia and once again raised questions about monitoring inmates and safety measures for the elderly. Local residents still recall the tragedy that took place in their town and offer condolences to the victim’s family.
