A court in Valencia is reviewing the suspected homicide of a 57-year-old woman who reportedly endured extreme starvation, surviving more than a month without food and facing serious mobility challenges before she died. The investigation centers on her partner, who alerted authorities after she ceased breathing. The suspect previously faced a mistreatment accusation in 2018 involving the same woman, adding a layer of gravity to the case.
Presently, the deceased’s partner has not been detained while the inquiry proceeds and autopsy results are pending. He has been questioned and denies involvement, stating he did not intend to withhold food.
A call to emergency services
According to accounts from Lift-EMV reported by local press, the death of Amparo came to light when her partner contacted the emergency number in the early hours of December 22, saying she was not breathing. The caller was instructed to begin basic life support steps over the phone under professional guidance.
A short time later, an ambulance crew arrived and initiated life-saving measures, triggering a broader alarm system. The woman was found severely underweight, well below what would be expected for a healthy adult. Because the circumstances raised suspicion, regional and national police were brought to the scene, and a judicial commission along with a coroner were mobilized to examine Amparo’s body before transfer to the Valencian Institute of Forensic Medicine.
From the outset, strong suspicions of a homicidal death emerged, reinforced by the partner’s resistance to police intervention on several occasions.
Demonstration of History Faculty students for 8M Women’s Day in Valencia. JOSÉ MANUEL LÓPEZ
Tried to tamper with evidence on his phone
Investigators located a notebook that appeared to belong to the victim, containing notes referring to mistreatment and lack of food. The man attempted to seize the notebook and destroy it, but police intervened to prevent further action.
He also tried to tamper with Amparo’s mobile device, aiming to shut it down. When authorities learned the device would be confiscated for transcription and review of messages and call logs, the suspect resisted.
The police sometimes had to physically restrain him due to a defiant and threatening attitude toward officers. Despite the tension, the national police did not arrest him at that moment.
The case, now under the Homicide Squad and referred to the courthouse, is being treated as potential violence against women. If homicide is confirmed, it would indicate a crime within the couple and would align with a history of gender-based violence.
No distress signal and ongoing autopsy
The judge awaits autopsy results to determine the cause of death. The leading theory points to extreme starvation, though the possible involvement of benzodiazepine drugs cannot be ruled out. Forensic findings will be decisive in shaping the final assessment.
The investigation continues to determine whether there was premeditated murder or if a failure to provide care due to the victim’s severe mobility impairment contributed to her death. The mobility restriction, caused by a serious bone disease, would have limited her ability to obtain food on her own.
Another focal point is whether Amparo’s partner sought medical help in the weeks before her death. The absence of timely medical attention raises important questions for investigators.
Assistance hotlines for gender-based violence operate around the clock. Professionals offer support in multiple languages. If you or someone you know faces physical, psychological, sexual, economic, or other violence, contact the relevant helpline. If urgent help is needed, emergency teams respond quickly to 112. For domestic violence resources, callers can dial the appropriate local numbers and seek confidential guidance.