The disappearance of María Trinidad Suardíaz and her daughter Beatriz remained one of the most mysterious cases in northern Spain for years. The woman and her little girl vanished without a trace in 1987, and it was only 15 years later that their relatives finally went to the police. At the time, there was speculation that the mother had escaped domestic abuse, but there was never any evidence to support this theory.
As time passed, there was still no information about the fate of María Trinidad and Beatriz — neither in Spain nor abroad. Both suffered from intellectual and physical disabilities, making it virtually impossible for them to live independently. The investigation was closed multiple times, with authorities considering their disappearance voluntary, but the family continued to have doubts.
Unexpected discoveries and new theories
In 2015, the case caught the attention of the police once again. In the semi-ruined house where the family once lived, forgotten belongings were found: children’s clothes, a locket, letters that were never sent. All this suggested that María Trinidad had not planned a long escape. However, even then, the investigation came to nothing.
The breakthrough came only now, when divers discovered two cars — a Volkswagen and a white Peugeot 304 — at the bottom of an old quarry pool in Berbes. Locals recalled once seeing a man push the cars over a high cliff into the water. That man was known in the area as Antonio María da Silva, a smuggler with a criminal past and María Trinidad’s husband.
The investigation returns to tragedy
A judge from Gijón has ordered the search to continue in the mine pond to determine whether there are human remains in the submerged cars. Investigators believe this may be where the missing bodies are located. According to them, the mother and daughter fell victim to murder, and the perpetrator tried to cover up the crime by sinking the vehicles with them inside.
Antonio da Silva’s fate took its own course: he spent years hiding between Spain, Portugal, France, and Switzerland, involved in smuggling. Now, in his advanced age, he lives in a nursing home in Zamora. Despite how long ago these events occurred, investigators have not ruled out his involvement in the disappearance of his wife and daughter.
A family drama that may finally reach its conclusion
María Trinidad was born in Bárzana, Asturias, and faced hardship early on. After her daughter was born, she sought refuge in a shelter and later moved to León to escape her husband. But even changing cities did not bring her safety. When she failed to appear in court, her husband was declared wanted, but it took two years to detain him.
Today, decades later, investigators have a chance to shed light on a tragedy that remained a secret across Spain for many years. New evidence may finally provide answers to the questions that have haunted the relatives and loved ones of the missing women.
