Local authorities in Santa Brígida disclosed the arrest of a 72-year-old man on charges connected to an alleged attempted murder, involving a violent arson attack against a person who had provided him shelter years earlier. The victim sustained severe injuries, with burns covering a large portion of the body, raising concerns for his survival as detectives continue their investigation.
The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. at a rural residence along Camino de La Cruz del Gamonal, a secluded farming area near Gamonal Alto. At this point, investigators have not released a definitive motive, though reports indicate the suspect had resided in the home for an extended period before the incident.
Authorities say the suspect allegedly set the victim on fire using a bonfire-like method and then placed the victim inside a sealed cistern without a foundation. Some sources suggest the victim may have been confined to prevent escape, with suffocation a potential risk, though investigators are still confirming these details.
Initial observations noted a strong gasoline odor in the vicinity, even though gasoline cans were not immediately visible. Investigators are examining whether fuel contributed to the injuries and are pursuing all lines of inquiry to establish the sequence of events and whether premeditation occurred.
The detainee is described as a Cape Verdean national who had lived at the victim’s home for many years. He appears to be close in age to the injured man, and local residents report longstanding familiarity with the suspect within the community surrounding the property.
Emergency responders saved the victim’s life thanks to the swift intervention of local police units. The burns are extensive, affecting a significant percentage of the body, necessitating ongoing medical care and expert evaluation by burn specialists as the case develops.
During the tense moments that followed, the victim’s spouse alerted authorities, enabling a rapid response from law enforcement and medical teams. Paramedics transported the injured man to a regional hospital for stabilization and initial treatment, with the possibility of transfer to a burns unit in Seville depending on the evolving medical assessment.
The Civil Guard Judicial Police have assumed charge of the suspect and are coordinating the investigation, including any prosecutions arising from the incident. Investigators are prioritizing a precise reconstruction of the events, reviewing witness statements, and assessing whether there were prior incidents that could shed light on the alleged aggression.
The individual accused of the crime is being treated as the principal suspect in an attempted murder case resulting in serious injuries and extensive burns, as authorities work to clarify the factors that led to the alleged assault and identify any additional parties who may have been involved.
Neighbors and local residents note that the injured man has lived nearby for many years and is known to frequent the area around his home. The suspect is described as someone with longstanding ties to the community, which adds complexity to the case as investigators seek to understand the dynamics at play in this rural setting.
Officials and police agencies stated that a substantial presence of officers from multiple bodies, along with an ambulance, drew attention in the mid-morning hours. The incident occurred on a farm near two other properties, in a mountainous area characterized by small, single-family homes, where such violence is uncommon and has left the community shaken, with residents leaning on one another for support and safety during the investigation. [Citation: Civil Guard Judicial Police update]