More than a month after Javier Sánchez and Esther Latorre were killed, the judge overseeing the case is calling in additional witnesses. The first round of statements failed to clarify the double homicide. On September 25, the court in Ejea de los Caballeros questioned new witnesses, including the victims’ brother-in-law and nephew.
The court has already heard from neighbors and friends, alongside the detained man’s lover. A former landlord and Carlota’s relatives have also testified. Olga, Carlota’s younger sister, who lives in Dublin, has not yet testified; her statement has been delayed. Proceedings are tightly sealed to protect the family, but EL ESPAÑOL reports that the witness list will continue to grow. Luis Carlos’s former lover told the court that he asked her for a false alibi and confessed to killing two people.
Some basic evidence is still missing. Investigators have not found the kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon or the suspects’ clothes from the night of the crime. Police are searching for the clothes worn that night, including Carlota’s shirt and Luis Carlos’s white polo; his jeans are also missing. Luis Carlos appears to have changed his entire outfit after the attack, while Carlota returned home in almost the same clothes. Investigators believe this could indicate that she planned the crime and Luis Carlos carried it out. The Guardia Civil is also investigating the possibility that Carlota tried to harm her parents a week before the double homicide, based on forensic and material evidence. Heraldo de Aragón and other outlets report that forensic work and crime-scene evidence remain basic to the case.
Security cameras tracked both suspects at Delicias station in Zaragoza and at locations in Tauste and Gallur. They travelled on foot, apparently trying to get back to Zaragoza quickly. Carlota changed her shirt; both shirts were white but had different patterns. Luis Carlos changed into a blue shirt and dark shorts. Both wore black caps on the way back, apparently to avoid recognition.
In Zuera prison, Carlota and Luis Carlos have not spoken. Two major questions remain: what happened and who planned it? Their defense strategies are only beginning to take shape. Carlota’s lawyer is Juan Manuel Martín Calvente, while Luis Carlos is represented by Sergio Piracés. The judge suspects Carlota led the plan. Luis Carlos, whom his lawyer has described as easily influenced, initially confessed to two friends and the forensic doctor, then stopped talking.
Both currently face homicide charges. If evidence establishes planning and intent, the charges could be upgraded to aggravated homicide, which carries sentences of up to 25 years per victim. Spanish press reports say the trial may not begin until late 2027 or even early 2028, as investigators continue collecting testimony.
Carlota is about 19 weeks pregnant. She and Luis Carlos remain in Zuera prison, and there are no plans to move her given her health and mental state. The slow pace of the investigation reflects the difficulty of prosecuting violent crimes when motive and evidence remain unclear.
Esther Latorre suffered more than thirty stab wounds. The suspects allegedly used a mop to clean up after the killings. Physical evidence is scarce, and the suspects have refused to talk. Investigators are left with more questions than answers. Spanish authorities have faced similar uncertainty in other high-profile cases.
The judge’s decision to call more witnesses is intended to help resolve unanswered questions and find missing evidence. The investigation is proceeding slowly as authorities pursue leads and gather testimony.
