Various hypotheses surround the case of Judith Muñoz, a Vigo resident whose body was found behind a small wall near a container in an industrial area of O Porriño, Pontevedra, last Thursday. The Civil Guard continues to search for the victim’s Brazilian partner, who disappeared four days after her. The couple had been living together despite a restraining order, and he had recently moved into a home on Camiño Redomeira, near Aragon Street, after being convicted of misdemeanor harassment.
The involvement or non-participation of a 44-year-old Brazilian man in the crime remains unclear as investigators keep open the possibility that the incident could be linked to a dispute with a client or even a terrorist act. Reports indicate Judith went out early on Saturday the 18th to work as a sex worker. The struggle with the attacker may have arisen from a refusal to pay for the service.
Suffocation
An autopsy identified asphyxiation as the cause of death. The deceased was found with a cloth or similar material placed in her mouth, suggesting a struggle. Bruising on the neck and arms supports a violent confrontation. The victim, a small woman weighing about 40 kilograms, fought back but was quickly restrained by the assailant. Preliminary findings point to strangulation followed by suffocation via the cloth placed in her mouth.
Investigators also clarified the location of the body, which was found close to a stone wall behind a dumpster nearly five days after it disappeared. The scene appears to be somewhat concealed from passing drivers. Colder weather in O Porriño last week may have helped preserve the body, which was located on the afternoon of Thursday, November 23. (Source: local police report and forensics team notes.)
Analysis
The fieldwork conducted by investigators combines efforts from multiple professionals, with samples sent to Madrid for analysis. While there are indications of a possible sexual assault, the autopsy has not produced evidence to support that conclusion. The case remains under a degree of confidentiality as the legal process continues. (Source: court filings and police briefings.)
Alongside the search for the 44-year-old Brazilian suspect who has a prior criminal record, authorities are also pursuing a lead about a white Berlingo van described by witnesses. Surveillance and eyewitness accounts place Judith in the company of someone on the day she disappeared, complicating the inquiry and expanding the scope of the investigation. (Source: witness statements and public safety notices.)
Episodes of abuse
News reports describe the victim as a mother with an underage daughter who endured repeated gender-based violence. Several files related to the alleged perpetrator have been opened in the VioGén system, and police protection was in place until March 2024. However, authorities indicate that monitoring reportedly halted after the victim did not respond to routine outreach. At present, there is no definitive information about the person responsible, and investigators continue to explore all avenues. They emphasize that Judith may have faced risks associated with her profession and potential client-related issues, alongside possible drug-related concerns. (Source: police statements and social services files.)