The person suspected of carrying out yesterday morning’s gender-based crime in Villena reportedly left a note before taking his own life by hanging. This detail was confirmed by the deputy government representative for Alicante, Juan Antonio Nieves, during a minute of silence held Saturday in Plaza de Santiago. The moment highlighted ongoing concern about violence against women and the shock felt across the community as residents processed the tragic events.
After an autopsy at the Alicante Legal Medicine Institute, it was stated that Rosi, a 67-year-old Spanish national, died from asphyxiation at the hands of her husband. The couple shared a home in the Peña Rubia rural area of Villena when the fatal incident occurred. The confirmation added a stark dimension to a case that has echoed through the region and prompted renewed calls for stronger protections for women at risk of domestic violence.
“We condemn yet another feminicide that exposes a societal failure,” Nieves said. “There have been three gender-based fatalities in the Valencian Community so far this year. This act reveals a painful truth about gender-based violence as a structural problem in our society, which ends the lives of women simply for being women. We want women to be alive and free.”
Public Reaction
The tragedy has sparked a deep public outcry in Villena. Local residents—long familiar with the family who ran the butcher shop José María and Rosi for decades—expressed a mixture of grief, disbelief, and concern about the ongoing issue of violence against women. The incident has renewed dialogue among neighbors and officials about safety measures, support services, and community vigilance needed to prevent such losses in the future. The conversation reflects a wider societal demand for accessible resources, faster reporting pathways, and coordinated responses across institutions to protect vulnerable individuals, especially in rural areas where support networks can be more dispersed. [Source: regional authorities, 2025]
Authorities describe the couple as having been found in their home by one of their children, who had returned from travel after receiving a call to come home because his parents were not well. Law enforcement reported that the son relayed this information to the Guardia Civil, who subsequently opened a formal case and began a comprehensive investigation. The initial theory points to a domestic violence scenario, though investigators continue to examine all possibilities as details unfold. Community members are urged to stay informed through official channels while avoiding speculation that could impede the investigation. [Official brief, 2025]
The husband, who was also Spanish and 69 years old, died by hanging at the residence, leaving behind two adult children. The discovery site and the couple’s long-term involvement in the local business landscape have contributed to the community’s sense of loss and the weight of the case’s significance in ongoing conversations about gender violence and preventive measures in rural areas. The case has become a focal point for discussions on emergency response times, the availability of shelter options, and the importance of a robust network of social services that can intervene before violence escalates. [Public safety update, 2025]
As this case develops, authorities emphasize the importance of continuing to support families affected by violence, reinforcing resources that provide safe havens, counseling, and legal guidance. The public is reminded of the critical role that timely reporting, reliable interventions, and coordinated responses between police, social services, and community organizations play in breaking cycles of abuse and protecting vulnerable individuals. Communities are encouraged to strengthen local awareness campaigns, ensure easy access to hotlines, and promote proactive outreach to at-risk households to prevent future tragedies. [Community outreach report, 2025]