What a Revolt and a Jab at the Press
On Tuesday, the Langreo case reached a pivotal moment as Javier R. E. admitted in court that he killed Santos Conrado, age 71, and then dismembered the body, distributing the remains in garbage bags around the home they shared. The suspect, known to locals as the so‑called Langreo butcher, remains in custody after the confession. The details surfaced during a hearing at the Langreo court, marking a turning point in a case that has drawn intense public scrutiny.
His defense attorney, Rubén Díaz, who represents the 58-year-old Felguera resident and longtime drug user, described the defendant as calm in court and fully aware of his actions and their consequences. Díaz emphasized that the accused tried to convey his version of events to the judge in a way that reflects his perspective. The attorney pointed to the defendant’s challenging reality and environment, noting the heavy influence of drug dependence on his perception of events.
In the defendant’s first appearance before the 2nd Court of First Instance and Instruction, the defense said the suspect spoke openly about the crime and did not attempt to distort or conceal anything, while also clarifying that the defendant’s faculties are impaired and his sense of reality differs from that of others. These remarks were repeated as the defense framed the situation as one where the defendant’s mental state shapes his recollection and interpretation of what happened.
According to the defense, the accused did not acknowledge the crime until seated before the examining judge. The lawyer stated that the defendant has admitted to killing and dismembering the victim and that his narrative is coherent and credible when viewed from his standpoint. The defense underscored that the truth can be seen from multiple angles and that the case may require further investigation and evidence to reach a solid conclusion.
The attorney argued that the facts could be analyzed from different perspectives. He reiterated that Javier has admitted to killing and dismembering the victim but that the timing and sequence of events require more verification. He added that the initial timelines reported by observers did not necessarily align with the defendant’s memory, and suggested that some fragments of the body may be recovered or unavailable, yet sufficient to establish the deceased’s identity and cause of death if needed. He noted that any missing fragments would not obstruct the core findings of the investigation.
Following the confession, the presiding magistrate ordered provisional detention without bail for Javier R. E. The proceedings have been opened on a homicide charge, with the possibility that the accusation could evolve as the investigation advances. There is potential for an additional murder count if aggravating factors are determined during the process.
The Asturian Prosecutor’s Office had requested pre-trial detention based on substantial indications of the suspect’s involvement and the subject’s own confession, along with concerns about flight risk given the severity of potential penalties if convicted. This decision underscores the gravity of the case and the authorities’ determination to proceed with formal charges.
Note: This article is based on courtroom statements and public proceedings reported by local media outlets. All details remain subject to ongoing judicial review and official findings.
As the scene unfolded, by late morning a crowd gathered along Calle Dorado in Sama to observe the courthouse area. Dressed in winter coats, onlookers waited for any words from officials or the suspect’s exit from the building. A law enforcement unit was present as a precaution to manage interest and maintain order, while a media crew recorded the events outside the court complex.
Described by witnesses, the suspect arrived at the courthouse in a vehicle with a senior officer, moving close to the entrance. When asked by journalists about his health or remorse, the defendant appeared cautious, shielding his face with a mask and keeping his head covered with a hood. The exchange with reporters was brief and tense, with the defendant protecting his identity using the cloak of disguise and his use of crutches to maintain a defensive stance.
Inside the courtroom, the defendant remained for several hours, with the judge handling the case as a standard homicide matter. Upon leaving the building, the defendant walked away without the mask and with his shirt collars down, signaling a small departure from his earlier concealment as curiosity waned and the day progressed. Those present recalled a solitary exclamation of disgust from a bystander as the proceedings concluded for the day.
In the broader context, legal observers will be watching how the defense’s portrayal of the defendant’s state of mind interacts with the prosecutorial case, and how the evidence gathered by investigators shapes the final charging decisions. The case continues to unfold as authorities pursue additional lines of inquiry and any remaining forensic results that might confirm or refine the narrative established at the initial hearing.
References: local court reports, police dispatches, and statements from the involved parties and public observers. These notes reflect the record of proceedings and public testimony up to this stage of the investigation.