Colunga Local Police (Asturias) reported a death on a quiet Thursday evening when an elderly woman, Armanda Estrada Huerta, was found at her home on the Fitu descent. The scene showed significant facial trauma. Police considered the possibility of an accident but were cautious about ruling out any foul play.
City officers were alerted after an acquaintance who knew Armanda Estrada well noted that she had not been heard from for several days, a sign that prompted investigators to check on her safety. When entry to the residence was gained, investigators confronted a disturbing scene. The body lay on a bed, with evident facial injuries, and blood traces were found in the kitchen. Although the initial impression suggested a home accident, investigators proceeded with a thorough inquiry to determine whether a crime had occurred, with the Civil Guards managing the case from Villaviciosa.
The body was transported to the Forensic Institute of La Corredoria for a formal autopsy to establish the cause of death in Oviedo. The autopsy, conducted on Monday, concluded that the woman suffered fractured cheekbones and a broken nose as a result of blunt force trauma, leaving investigators to weigh the possibility of an accidental fall against the potential of an attack. The investigative team continued to explore whether Armanda might have fallen in the kitchen, later succumbing in her bed, possibly on Thursday or Friday, before anyone could intervene.
cremation of the corpse
Following the autopsy, Malva Funeral Home was entrusted with the body, and the cremation process was arranged. The family held the authority to decide the funeral arrangements and the disposition of Armanda Estrada’s ashes. The case was still under active examination, with authorities pursuing every lead to clarify the sequence of events that led to her death.
The community in Colunga reacted with shock. Armanda Estrada had been a well-known figure on the council, frequently traveling by bicycle to visit her husband, who was in a nursing home. The couple had no children, and her public life had been marked by a steady commitment to local service and daily routines that made her disappearance feel even more abrupt.
Rumors and fears among neighbors pointed to a potential robbery or attack, but no definitive evidence emerged at that stage to confirm a homicide. Investigators emphasized that the investigation remained open and that only a complete examination of all physical evidence would determine the true cause of death. Community members were urged to await official updates as authorities pursued every avenue to establish a clear and accurate account of what happened to Armanda Estrada Huerta.
In summary, authorities have acknowledged the seriousness of the case while maintaining that the investigation is ongoing. The next steps involve a careful review of the autopsy findings, scene forensics, and any available witness statements to determine whether this was a tragic accident or a crime of violence. (Source: Colunga Local Police)