Valencia City of Justice hosted the oral hearing in a homeland crime case that centered on Maje and Antonio, known in local lore as the black widow and her confidant, who were convicted of murdering the novelist engineer once called the “pagafantas.” Anthony Navarro was a figure mentioned in connection with the trial.
The following seven keys help explain the circumstances that gave rise to the court case and the media coverage surrounding it.
2. The defendant’s frivolous, immature and smug profile
One of Maje’s recent lovers before her marriage to Antonio told investigators about the crime and arrest, describing a person who boasted about proving what it means to be a girlfriend. The witness claimed that the engagement to Antonio was coerced by both families, and that the young woman admitted feeling forced into marriage. The account also suggested sexual contact occurred out of necessity rather than affection.
2. The pagafantas who fell into their nets Salva
Salva, a married father of one, was drawn in by Maje who convinced him he was in love. He claims their intimate life was limited, yet he fulfilled her requests. As Salva grew more invested, he was manipulated into actions that ultimately contributed to a fatal outcome, and Maje described her husband in disparaging terms, alleging abuse while admitting to her crime.
3. Jealous of anyone who takes an interest in him
Maje leveraged Salva’s devotion, sending him to run errands and handle administrative tasks. Salva grew suspicious of anyone who spoke to Maje. He even warned a health worker seen conversing with her to be careful, reflecting a controlling dynamic that extended into the relationship.
4. Maje’s attitude after her husband’s death
Just 23 days after Antonio’s murder, Maje attended a party with her close friend Rocío. At a nightclub in Alicante, she met a city guard named Sergio, accompanied him to a hotel, and engaged in sexual activity for several reasons. On the same day, Salva shared details of the murder, and Maje reportedly made plans to date another companion for intimate reasons.
5. The importance of sex
Witnesses and acquaintances, along with post-crime conversations, highlight a recurring emphasis on sexual life. Some reports suggest that Maje maintained relationships while in prison and even described intimate encounters with fellow inmates after her incarceration. Contemporary sources indicate a pregnancy while incarcerated and ongoing efforts to influence others about her husband’s death.
6. One of his interests is money
After the crime, Maje showed a strong focus on inheritance and the widow’s allowance, anticipating a substantial share of her late husband’s estate. Reports note a life-long pension expectation and administrative decisions that affected pension rights as the case unfolded.
7. Salva changes his story after confirming Maje’s indifference
After spending time in custody around her 48th birthday and observing the evolving dynamics, Salva began to reconsider his statements. He later portrayed a different version on a television program and approached the judge to reveal what he believed to be Maje’s true role in the husband’s death, signaling a shift in the narrative as the case progressed.