The Teruel Court has decided to prolong the status of the temporary detention facility where the defendant remains incarcerated, extending this precaution through the end of 2023. Pedro Lozano Gimenez, widely known as Rambo de Requena, awaits a ruling from the Aragon Supreme Court of Justice on appeals challenging the underlying 27-year sentence for attempted murder against two civilian guards in Teruel province. The court’s move to extend pretrial detention reflects concerns about the risk of flight and the ongoing nature of the case as it moves toward resolution by the high court, a step that could shape the final determination of the charges and potential prison time in the near future. (Source: Efe)
In the decree made public to Efe, the Teruel court contends that the lengthy detention and the severity of the sentence create a substantial risk of evasion, justifying the continuation of detention without bail while legal proceedings proceed. The order underscores that the safety of the public and the integrity of the judicial process justify maintaining the precautionary measure until a definitive decision is reached. (Source: Efe)
The judges indicated, during last Thursday’s hearing, that the precautionary measure should continue until December 9, 2023, a deadline agreed upon by the prosecution, the defense, and the private complainants. This continuation follows a recent court session that occurred shortly after the verdict was announced and the defense lodged an appeal with the TSJA seeking to challenge aspects of the ruling. (Source: Efe)
In the appellate filing, the legal team argued that certain procedural and evidentiary elements had been misinterpreted. They claimed that neither the statements by defense counsel nor the expert opinions presented during the trial demonstrated an intent to kill, asserting that the evidence fell short of establishing premeditated homicide. (Source: Efe)
The appeal also addressed specific incidents during the confrontation, noting that a BB shotgun discharged by structural accident or misdirection caused harm to one of the officers, while another guard suffered a serious forearm injury in the ensuing struggle. The defense maintains that the sources of evidence do not prove intent to kill beyond reasonable doubt. (Source: Efe)
On behalf of the two injured officers, the court’s private prosecutor, Jorge Piedrafita of Huesca, filed a separate appeal to request that the facts be recharacterized as attempted murder rather than murder, arguing that the evidence supports a lesser verdict and potential consequences. The argument centers on whether the actions constituted intent to kill or a more ambiguous course of events under stress. (Source: Efe)
The Teruel Court initially charged the defendant with two counts of attempted murder and, in addition to significant prison terms for the violent offenses, also imposed a separate sentence for a pattern of crime including ongoing robbery, vehicle theft, reckless driving, and coercion. The cumulative impact of these charges contributes to a substantial sentence, reflecting the serious nature of the offenses alleged. (Source: Efe)
Records show that Rambo de Requena’s presence in Teruel province was first detected in June 2020, following a period of criminal activity in the Valencia region, including an extended escape through rural woodland and open terrain. The case has drawn attention for the scope of the alleged offenses and the dramatic context of the escape, which prompted intensive scrutiny by regional authorities. (Source: Efe)
In a statement to Efe, the attorney Jorge Piedrafita expressed satisfaction with the Teruel Court’s decision to extend the “adequate time” needed for a formal, conclusive determination to be issued. The ruling is viewed as a procedural step that preserves the integrity of the judicial process while the higher court undertakes review. (Source: Efe)