A violent crime in Madrid’s Las Tablas district left investigators with a closed case after the basic suspect, 65-year-old Spanish man Alberto Juan, died by suicide less than a day after allegedly killing Facundo Rico, a 37-year-old engineer of Argentine origin. The attack took place on June 14. El Mundo journalist Luis F. Durán described the suspected attacker as obsessed with a supposed infidelity and reported that he died by suicide hours after the killing.
Information from police sources, Alberto Juan entered Rico’s home in Las Tablas, where a confrontation escalated into a fatal attack. This account says Rico was stabbed 13 times, with several wounds to his back and shoulder. A related El Mundo headline describes the attack as involving pepper spray and 14 stab wounds, so the reported counts differ. The assailant fled, leaving the weapon behind, and security cameras captured him as he exited the building. The building’s doorman, Carlos, said he encountered a stranger shortly after hearing screams and detecting a chemical odor, which was believed to have come from pepper spray carried by the attacker.
Investigators focused on a possible motive rooted in jealousy. Testimonies from Rico’s acquaintances pointed to a suspected relationship between the victim and Alberto Juan’s wife. The couple, who owned a second home in Adrada, Ávila, had reportedly been experiencing marital difficulties, and the wife was seeking a separation. Police discovered that both the victim and the woman attended the same gym near Rico’s residence, fueling suspicions of a personal connection. El Mundo’s account also linked the killing to the suspect’s fixation on an alleged infidelity.
After the attack, Alberto Juan drove his red car to Adrada, where his wife was staying. He told her he had been running errands, and she did not question him further. The following morning, as news of the murder spread and the victim’s identity became public, Alberto Juan went to a nearby gorge and ended his life. His wife was shocked when police informed her of the suspicions against her late husband and initially refused to believe the allegations.
The case will not proceed to trial, as the suspect’s death precludes further legal action against him. Police in Madrid’s Homicide Group V had gathered evidence, including video footage and witness statements, and the investigation is now considered closed. The emotional toll on the victim’s circle and the suspect’s family remains impressive. The wife is reportedly struggling with feelings of guilt, despite not being responsible for her husband’s actions.
This incident highlights the complexity of crimes driven by personal relationships and the challenges authorities face when a suspect dies before standing trial. Similar cases have tested Spain’s judicial system in recent years, as seen when Madrid’s specialized court for youth violence faced a surge in cases and resource shortages, adding to the pressures on law enforcement and the courts.
Las Tablas, a residential district in northern Madrid, has drawn increased attention from authorities amid changes in the area. While violent crime remains relatively rare in the district, this case has renewed discussion about domestic conflicts and their sometimes tragic consequences. The investigation closed quickly, but no trial will take place. The circumstances and reported motive must be pieced together from the evidence gathered and accounts of those involved.
