Her name is Sonia, mother of Laia of Guillem. Laia’s story is told through a mother’s heartbreak and the enduring pain of losing a child to a violent act. The boy who grew up beside her carried wounds that never fully heal, his life marked by the heavy weight of what happened. In the summer of 2018, tragedy struck as Laia was killed while navigating the stairs of a building after spending a day with her grandparents. A downstairs neighbor opened a door and forced her into danger. Her father waited outside, just a few meters away in the car, unaware of the danger that would unfold before his eyes. Laia was thirteen years old when she did not arrive home.
Juan Francisco López Ortiz, the man identified as her killer, is serving a lengthy prison sentence. The Supreme Court confirmed that he will not be released for at least twenty-five years, and possibly never. Sonia describes the case with a mix of sorrow and resolve, calling the person behind Laia’s disappearance a monster and recognizing that no penalty can bring back what was lost. The case is a stark reminder of the limits of punishment in the face of irreparable harm.
Three court orders describe the murder as heinous and cruel. The evidence shows a young girl found dead in her home, her body concealed within a suitcase. López Ortiz initially denied the crime, then confessed, claiming he believed a burglar had entered the home. The final ruling established permanent imprisonment for the killing of a minor, noting the act as cruel, ruthless, and perverse. The killing involved sexual violence before the act of murder.
Photos from Laia’s family album capture a girl full of life. Her story is marked by a status of open memory, a reminder of what she meant to those who loved her.
Laia’s routine mirrored that of many children who find comfort in everyday rituals. She spent time in the city of Vilanova i la Geltrú, in the Barcelona region, enjoying afternoons with relatives and pursuing her interests. Her father would usually drive her from the portal, but on that day, work kept him a few meters away, altering the familiar path that had always led him to her side.
Laia’s parting moment was ordinary and innocent. She waved at her grandparents, kissed them goodbye, and stepped out toward the street. Her grandmother, always vigilant, watched from the window and, moments later, realized something was terribly wrong. The tiny, reassuring routine had vanished. The grandmother searched the nearby stairwell, calling Laia’s name, but there was no response.
The search began immediately. Neighbors and relatives joined local authorities in canvassing the surrounding streets, looking for any sign of the girl. It felt like a sudden, unsolved riddle, with no obvious trace. The family, overwhelmed by fear, collaborated with law enforcement, sharing every detail in the hope of locating Laia.
The investigation focused on the door near Laia’s home. It was clear that the culprit had entered the building and was familiar with the layout. The family’s stories formed a chilling mosaic: a man who had returned from travels and appeared to be connected to the apartment, a missing child, and an environment that felt both intimate and dangerous. The suspect’s presence in the home raised deep questions about trust and safety within a tight-knit community.
The discovery of the crime scene revealed the cruel extent of the violence. The room where Laia ended up reflected a brutal sequence of events: the presence of a body, a sense of hurried concealment, and the stark reality of a life cut tragically short. The aftermath left investigators grappling with the brutal details and the long, painful process of seeking justice for a child who was loved deeply.
The court’s description of the crime underscored its brutality. The judge’s assessment spoke to the severity of the acts committed against Laia, illustrating a case that demands accountability and clear consequences for the choices that harmed a young life. The court highlighted that the act was characterized by both cruelty and a sense of calculated harm, leading to a verdict that reflects the severity of the offenses.
In discussing the punishment, Sonia shares the impossible emotional burden: moments of anger, waves of sadness, and an enduring sense of loss. The process of healing is not linear, and the memory of Laia remains a constant presence in Sonia’s daily life. The family’s determination to find some measure of closure continues to shape their days, a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable grief.
The verdict offered some relief through the protection of justice, but it did not restore what was taken. Sonia’s voice, though filled with sorrow, also carries a stubborn hope that memory can still honor Laia’s life. Laia, who was adopted and grew up amid warmth in Vilanova i la Geltrú, is remembered for her bright spirit, her love of learning, and her dreams of a future where she could be many things at once.
Laia’s story remains a powerful reminder of the fragility of childhood and the need for communities to watch over their youngest members. Her family continues to honor her memory through memories shared, stories told, and a resolve to seek justice with every step forward. Laia’s life, though brief, left a lasting impact on those who knew her and on the many who learned of her through her mother’s unwavering voice.