A 42-year-old woman alleged to have killed her 65-year-old mother in Alcoy early on Tuesday remains in custody as police await a psychiatric evaluation. Neighbors and residents described the incident as shocking, calling the deceased a kind and sociable person while noting that the accused has a complex personality. Many stressed they cannot imagine such an act occurring in their city and expressed concern about the mental health aspects of the case, without presuming guilt or medical conclusions before the investigation concludes.
The event unfolded in a quiet midsection of Alameda Camilo Sesto, Alcoy’s main street, a neighborhood known for its calm atmosphere and a concentration of shops, offices, accommodations, and administrative facilities. The area is typically not associated with violence, which has amplified the sense of disbelief as the night’s events emerged into the daylight. It is a zone where residents often live in a more dispersed fashion, with fewer immediate neighbors but where any disruption travels quickly through the community.
Neighbors who spoke to this publication described the victim as friendly and approachable, attributes that contrasted with what they know or perceive about the accused’s daughters, whom they characterized as emotionally unsettled. None could confirm that the accused was experiencing a diagnosed mental illness, though concern about mental health factors was evident among those interviewed.
A neighbor living in a unit just below the alleged crime site recalled disturbances at night, including sounds of furniture being dragged or dropped. Such noises, he said, could be unbearable at times. He also remarked on the daughter’s dark attire and heavy makeup, noting she appeared subdued or medicated at times, though he could not verify any specific condition. He described living in the building with his own mother for roughly two years, though seasonally, and did not anticipate such an event could occur in their neighborhood.
Another resident and his daughter visited the area to share information with this newspaper. The nearby coffee shop manager pointed out that the area’s unique appearance had drawn attention, yet he suggested that many people in this office district present a similar style, making it difficult to distinguish anyone per se. He recalled interacting with the accused in the past and described her as determined, though his observations about her current state were limited. He insisted that such an incident is unimaginable in the local context and reiterated the shock felt by the community.
According to a further neighbor, the alleged offender is said to have her own residence in the neighborhood. There is a suggestion that she may have previously lived with her mother on another main street in Ensanche. A resident who spoke on Tuesday morning said the event left a lasting impression, remarking that he had not anticipated anything like this in their area and that the deceased had been regarded as a good person by those who knew her. The building’s caretaker also indicated a sense that the incident could involve harm to an elderly person, but emphasized that no crime had been confirmed in any other context beyond what police were investigating.
Police authorities indicated that the suspect is expected to appear in court on Thursday, following a forensic assessment. The judge will determine whether the woman should remain in custody or be remanded to a psychiatric institution for further evaluation. One neighbor suggested that the accused might hold a job requiring interaction with the public, raising questions about how others would not anticipate such actions. The deceased is described as a widow who left behind three other children, and the family previously operated a business in the area, contributing to the community’s social fabric.
As the investigation continues, authorities and residents alike await more information from the medical and judicial processes that will determine the next steps in this troubling case. The community remains focused on understanding the circumstances that led to the tragedy and ensuring that support services remain available for those affected by this event, while maintaining respect for the privacy of the individuals involved and the due process of law.