Ángel Rodríguez da Costa allegedly moved the children to a relative’s home after the events that led to the death of his ex-wife Beatriz Lijó Gesteira. The two children, aged 7 and 9, accompanied him as he traveled by car before boarding a plane bound for an outpost in Ourense later that day.
In the Civil Guard report on the case, the older child reportedly spoke a chilling line in the presence of his grandfather: “My father killed my mother.” The details underscore the emotional impact of the night’s events on the family, including the young witnesses who are now part of the investigation.
No resident of the Percibilleira neighborhood directly witnessed the fatal attack on Beatriz Lijó. However, testimonies gathered indicate that someone stood near the prisoner’s car on the driver’s side, to the right, suggesting the children may have been present. It is reported that the man then left the scene by moving to the driver’s side on the left, implying movement around the vehicle during the incident.
Although a neighbor did not witness the crime, he told the agents he heard piercing screams and went outside. He observed another neighbor moving about in a normal manner, but did not intervene and instead returned home, choosing to remain inside.
Footage shows a man being arrested in connection with the murder in Baiona as he exits the Vigo courts.
Murder suspect remained silent
Ángel Rodríguez da Costa has not spoken since his arrest on Monday in connection with the Sunday night murder of his ex-wife Beatriz Lijó Gesteira in Baiona. He did not speak at the Ourense National Police station where he surrendered early that morning, nor at the Pontevedra Civil Guard Headquarters where he was transferred, nor at the Vigo courts yesterday during adjudication.
“He does not speak, does not gesture, does not react, and he looks downward,” said the Vigo public defender Saúl Vidal, who took on the defense. He described the detainee as being in a catatonic state. Forensics later concluded that the detainee was not in a position to testify after a formal review at Imelga, where the mathematics teacher was placed under examination by authorities.
Concentrating on the case, authorities report the ongoing investigation into the alleged crime in Baiona.
Following earlier requests from the prosecutor’s office, the special prosecutor’s office, and the defense, the head of the Court of Violence Against Women approved extending the suspect’s detention for another 72 hours. He is to be transferred to Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital Psychiatry Ward for evaluation by medical professionals.
Emotional funeral
A somber and heartfelt farewell took place for Beatriz Lijó Gesteira. On the day the case moved toward justice in Vigo, the 47-year-old victim was laid to rest at Baiona municipal cemetery following a funeral at the town’s Collegiate Church. Those close to Beatriz described her as a peaceful professional—a lawyer and civil servant—whose life was marked by dedication to her community. Family, friends, and colleagues spoke of her kindness and the quiet strength she brought to her roles, underscoring the stark contrast between her public service and the troubling events that led to her death.
In marking the loss, the community noted Beatriz’s commitment to service and the steady presence she offered to neighbors and clients alike. The funeral offered a moment for reflection on the impact of the night’s tragedy and the need for care for those left behind, including the children who witnessed the events and now remain under the care of relatives and authorities. This community response is described in contemporary statements from local officials and social services workers involved in the case. [Citation: Guardia Civil, 2024]