A new look at the Miriam Vallejo case near Madrid
An investigation unfolds in a rural area close to Madrid as the death of Miriam Vallejo continues to puzzle the community. In 2019 the case drew national attention after officials indicated there was no clear author, leading to a temporary easing of some protective measures that had been placed on a person under investigation. The ongoing questions about responsibility have kept the case in the public eye while authorities pursue fresh leads.
A ruling reported by Efe explained that the fifth Investigating Court of Alcalá de Henares decided to suspend the case for a period. While the actions taken so far suggest criminal suspicion, they do not provide enough grounds to pin guilt on any single individual. The court emphasized a careful approach to respect due process while still pursuing evidence that could identify the person responsible. This pause reflects a deliberate balance between moving the inquiry forward and protecting the rights of those involved.
At that time charges against the person initially investigated, referred to as Sergio SM or the suspect Alberto BL, did not proceed. The decision came despite earlier tensions between a detainee and the investigation and despite claims from another individual who once challenged the connection of evidence to the crime. The case thus remained open to new findings without a definitive accusation in court.
The court noted that the genetic profile tied to that claim did not match any entry within existing databases, weakening the argument that this individual was connected to the perpetrator’s biological evidence. This gap in the forensic link contributed to the decision to pause formal charges and to revoke protective measures placed on Sergio SM, who had been detained shortly after the incident. He remained under probation as authorities continued their review of the case.
Miriam Vallejo lost her life in a rural stretch near the town of Meco on January 16, 2019. The region lies several kilometers from Villanueva de la Torre, where Vallejo had lived with her partner and their circle at the time of the tragedy.
The 25 year old Vallejo had set out with a pack of dogs for a routine walk that day, accompanied by three other dogs linked to the person later associated with the case. Vallejo’s body was found with multiple stab wounds, prompting a broad investigation that involved local police and forensic teams. The scene underscored the complexity of the case and the need for careful collection of evidence to build a clear picture of what happened.
Seven months after the incident, investigators reported a potential breakthrough tied to the person previously connected to the case, and the Civil Guard moved forward with an arrest as the inquiry shifted toward a formal review of evidence. The judge ordered the defendant detained as the legal process advanced, with observers noting the difficulty of tying motive, method, and opportunity to a single individual. That moment marked a pivotal point in the investigation, even as many questions remained unresolved.
Throughout subsequent developments, the defendant maintained innocence during court proceedings, and discussions around the strength of the evidence continued as the case evolved. The judicial review, the handling of forensics, and the management of protective measures illustrated the careful approach courts take when a case travels through multiple possible scenarios. The aim has been to deliver closure to the family and to the community affected by the loss, while ensuring every step is fair and transparent.