The body of an adult was located on Monday in the southern region of Tenerife, bearing clear signs of a violent death. The preliminary observations indicated injuries consistent with homicide, and the discovery triggered a swift police response. Investigators cordoned off the area to preserve evidence while documenting the body’s position, collecting trace material, and interviewing witnesses and residents who might have seen anything unusual in the hours before the find. Local officers coordinated with regional forensic teams to secure the scene and begin reconstructing events methodically. The incident quickly drew official attention and sparked concern in the community about safety in the area.
The body showed signs of burning, and authorities indicated that the person may have been restrained, suggesting deliberate violence rather than an accidental death. The limited information released so far leaves many questions unanswered, including the identity of the deceased, the exact sequence of events, and whether other evidence was involved. Police spokespeople emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages and that more details will come as forensic examinations proceed and interviews with potential witnesses advance.
The discovery occurred within the municipality of Arico, a southeastern part of Tenerife known for its rugged terrain and dispersed settlements. Officials noted that the landscape can complicate searches, requiring extended grid searches and coordination with local agencies. The location will likely shape how investigators piece together a timeline, relying on forensic findings, digital records, and statements from residents who may have seen unusual activity in the days leading up to the discovery.
Officials say the discovery took place inside a tunnel beneath the TF-1 highway, a route used by many, and the layout complicates securing the scene. The junction provides access to nearby districts, which can complicate securing evidence and reconstructing movements around the scene. Forensic experts will contend with limited lighting, ventilation, and the potential for cross contamination from adjacent sections, all factors that slow the early stages of a homicide investigation.
Along the tunnel runs a dirt track that opens toward the La Listada coastal district in Arico, a route locals use to reach hillside properties and beaches. The path underscores how geography shapes crime scenes, influencing access, escape routes, and the flow of information in the hours after a discovery. Investigators will want to know whether the track served as a hideout, a means of transport, or a point of entry for those involved.
The investigation is being led by investigators from the Guardia Civil’s Unit of Judicial Police, the team that handles crimes against people, following established procedures for homicide investigations. The agency has not released a full timeline or a roster of witnesses, but it has indicated that forensic analysis and digital records are being reviewed to build a coherent account of what happened. Authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and to report any information that could help identify suspects or establish the sequence of events.
Authorities recall that in late April, near the La Jaca and La Listada districts, the sea yielded the dismembered body of Laura Trappeniers, a Belgian national living in Adeje. She was reportedly killed by three fellow Belgians, according to initial police findings. The disclosure has influenced ongoing discussions about violence in the region and the way authorities connect older cases with current inquiries.
The suspects described in connection with that earlier case are a father and son, along with a friend, and they are currently held in provisional prison following a lengthy Guardia Civil investigation. Prosecutors are continuing to pursue evidence gathering and witness testimony while the court considers the appropriate measures, revealing the seriousness with which authorities treat violent offenses involving multiple individuals.
Trappeniers resided in the Sueño Azul development in the coastal community of Callao Salvaje, Adeje. When her body was located, it was missing both legs and one hand, and it showed advanced decomposition, complicating identification and autopsy work. Investigators have not released further details about the time of death or the precise circumstances surrounding her disappearance, but the case has remained a touchstone for discussions about violent crime in the Canary Islands.