Two men were involved in a violent jewelry store robbery in Novelda, culminating in a tense confrontation that left the owner injured and the suspects in custody after a swift Civil Guard response. The incident, which occurred during an early morning break-in, ended with the thieves fleeing the scene but leaving behind a trail of alarm and valuables valued at more than sixty thousand euros. The owner, who managed to survive the ordeal with just his life, hours later recounted the events that unfolded as he attempted to protect his shop and its stock.
Both defendants admitted to participating in the robbery and to the use of threatening force, though they contested specific details of the events that occurred inside the jewelry shop. They asserted that the prosecutor’s office held them responsible, but they could not recall some crucial moments, including whether the jeweler was tied or whether a knife was placed near the owner’s neck. One of the defendants claimed acutely that he was under heavy drug influence and could not remember the store episode, while the other admitted to the theft but insisted that it was his first time committing such a crime and that he did not remember the exact sequence of actions taken that day. The claim of amnesia and the lack of memory about the shop’s interior left significant questions about the precise roles of each man during the robbery.
victim statement
The owner of the Novelda jewelry shop described the harrowing morning when the attack occurred. He was alone in the shop, repairs in progress, when a knock came at roughly 1:30 a.m. He answered the door and greeted two customers who immediately moved with urgency. The owner tried to keep calm, answering questions and trying to ascertain the visitors’ intentions while continuing his work. As the conversation unfolded, the two men pressed for a more expensive item, despite the owner explaining that his display did not hold the piece they requested. In that moment, the situation escalated into violence as one assailant restrained him by the neck and forced him to the floor, while the other moved swiftly about the shop, seizing control of the scene.
The owner attempted to request help by keeping his phone line active and speaking with a friend who was on the line. During the struggle, and while confined, the victim heard the assailants threaten him with a weapon and witnessed a rapid escalation as guards nearby were not yet aware of the ongoing attack. The assailants moved him toward his office, where his feet were restrained with wire and a shirt was pulled over his head to obscure his vision. They ransacked the space and removed a substantial amount of jewelry plus cash before making a hurried exit.
When the danger intensified, the victim tried to maintain some control of the situation by keeping a line open and communicating with the friend on the other end. Despite the fear and confusion, the owner managed to recall the sounds of movement and the weight of the threat, which intensified his desire to escape. The robbers accompanied him during the muttered exchange and, at one point, placed a knife near his neck to keep him quiet. The events caused severe distress and left the owner with a deep sense of vulnerability about his place of work and the safety of his customers.
Immediately after the incident, the owner reported the theft to the Civil Guard. The arrival of the patrol disrupted the robbers just as one of them attempted to flee. The door had locked behind them, but the owner, upon hearing the commotion, opened it, enabling the officers to intervene and detain the suspects. The ensuing confrontation did not go as planned for the robbers, who were apprehended at the scene after the owner’s prompt call for help and the quick response by authorities.
One of the crucial aspects of the investigation relates to the alleged memory gaps expressed by the suspects. Defense counsel underscored claims of amnesia, arguing that the defendants could not fully recall the sequence of events or the specific actions taken inside the shop. Prosecutors, however, highlighted the tangible evidence collected at the scene, the victim’s account, and the stolen property, which together established the basis for charges of violent robbery in competition with illegal detention. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to verify each defendant’s exact role and to piece together a precise timeline of the events that unfolded on that night in Novelda.
The incident underscores the inherent danger faced by small business owners and the lasting impact of such traumatic events. It also illustrates the challenges involved in resolving complex cases where memory gaps and conflicting statements require thorough corroboration from multiple sources, including security footage, forensics, and eyewitness testimony. The court proceeding will address the competing narratives, determine the extent of culpability for each defendant, and consider the appropriate penalties given the severity of the offense and the value of the loot.
The attack left the owner shaken but resolute as he returns to work, mindful that the fight to maintain a safe and secure shop does not end with the end of a case. The community awaits the next steps in the judicial process, hoping for accountability and an outcome that reinforces the safety of local businesses and the trust of residents in public protection services.
One of the defendants in the jewelry store robbery in Novelda stands in the frame of a photograph used in media coverage of the incident. The image captures a moment of the investigation as authorities secure the scene and gather evidence to support the ongoing legal proceedings.