A 46-year-old man, accompanied by his sister, took shelter in a Murcia house armed with heavy weapons. After the incident, a makeshift prison was established, and judicial authorities from the Court of Inquiry No. 8 were on the scene, with coverage by the Guard. A psychiatry module was involved in evaluating the criminal.
The suspect faced charges of unlawful detention and attempted murder but was not brought to the courthouse in person due to concerns about his mental state. Judge David Castillejos attended Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia, where the man was located. Sources close to the case indicated that the judge, worried that the defendant’s mental health might prevent him from giving testimony, postponed the statement and returned to the hospital in the afternoon with a forensic clinician.
That same afternoon, Judge Castillejo determined that the defendant may suffer from a psychiatric condition pending a definitive forensic assessment. If confirmed, this could affect his capacity to stand trial. The man will undergo evaluation by medical professionals from the Murcia Forensic Institute. In the meantime, Sangonera will remain in the prison module for individuals with psychiatric disorders.
The detention began the day before Christmas Eve in a house located in the orchard belt of the Murcian district known as Beautiful Valley. Although the incident started in Molina de Segura, neighbors reported seeing the man holding his 41-year-old sister hostage in the trunk of his car.
Several professionals from the police deployment, including the Prevention and Response Unit, the Special Operations Group, the Valencia-based GOES, and other units, coordinated the operation. The heroic police dog Elko played a crucial role in subduing the suspect and enabling his capture.
gunfire was exchanged during the operation
GEO officers succeeded in rescuing the sister from the residence. The suspect fired repeatedly at officers, including a deputy inspector who traveled from Valencia. The officer sustained injuries but recovered after medical treatment.
Following the arrest, the suspect was transported to Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia for treatment of minor injuries.
Police investigations at the Cañada Hermosa home uncovered a substantial arsenal, including a scoped shotgun, a sawed-off firearm, a pistol, and a revolver. Officers also found a crossbow, shackles, a machete, handcuffs, a zipper, a bulletproof vest, and additional ammunition. The items were collected as part of the ongoing inquiry.
If the individual is diagnosed with a serious mental disorder, a prison sentence may not be imposed even if guilt is established. In such cases, admission to a psychiatric hospital becomes the likely outcome. This follows precedents involving other cases in Murcia and Churra where mental health considerations influenced judicial outcomes.
temporary detention and its scope
The TSJ sources indicate the detention remains a precautionary measure limited to the number of criminal acts alleged. The magistrate itemized the charges in his decision as kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, attempted murder, injuries to agents (including potential attempted murder), damage to homes and vehicles, and violations of weapons prohibitions.
Meanwhile, authorities note that the suspect’s will appears to be impaired but that he remains capable of acting, sometimes dangerously, pending further evaluation. A definitive determination will rely on the forthcoming forensic results and expert assessments. The case continues to unfold as specialists review the man’s mental health and its impact on legal accountability.