A neighbor in Zaragoza described a troubling scene from the previous day, detailing how alcohol played a role in the events surrounding a family in distress. Police in Aragon intervened not to inflame tensions or generate sympathy, but to address a situation where two underage children were left alone at home while their father engaged in drinking. The aftermath included the violent death of the children’s mother and the ex-wife, leading to the arrest of the father on charges of neglect and related offenses. This summary reflects the initial findings of the investigation as reported by local authorities and defense officials involved in the case.
The two siblings, aged 10 and 13, reportedly spent more than two and a half hours inside a residence on Jenaro Checa street in Zaragoza’s Torrero district. A nearby resident who heard noises from the home alerted a patrol from the Citizens’ Security Brigade, prompting officers to respond. The arrival of officers occurred after what witnesses described as a chaotic evening, with the father allegedly telling his children he would be at a nearby bar before leaving the house for a period of time.
When the door opened, the elder child recognized the officers who had come to investigate, noting that they had remained on duty since 8:00 p.m. after the father had reportedly left for a local bar. The child briefly provided officers with a summary of the situation and indicated that the father had returned home to share a meal with the children before again heading to the same nearby establishment. The situation was reported by multiple family members, including the children’s legal guardian, who contacted authorities to explain the ongoing concerns about parental conduct and the potential risk to the minors.
During the officers’ time at the residence, the mother of the two minors arrived and spoke about the circumstances, indicating that she had previously informed the police about her partner’s conduct. The question of custody arrangements was described as typical in such cases, with formal arrangements often clarified in later proceedings. The mother said she had left the children alone at night and had even secured the front door to prevent them from leaving. She acknowledged that the father sometimes punished the children with physical discipline for poor grades, misbehavior, or disputes with his current partner, a detail that raised serious concerns for welfare and safety experts involved in the case.
According to statements collected by the National Police, the mother provided a detailed account of the household dynamics while the father appeared visibly intoxicated. The 43-year-old suspect, identified as OAA L and described as of Ecuadorian descent, claimed that he had visited a bar but insisted the visit lasted only about ten minutes. Based on this and other evidence, authorities continued to move forward with the next steps in the legal process, including formal charges related to abandoning minors and potential penalties outlined under the Penal Code for cases where parents or guardians neglect their children.
With the evidence gathered, law enforcement prepared to transfer the case to the judiciary for review. The man was brought to the police station overnight and remained in custody as the court on duty issued a conditional release order. Forensic specialists noted that the minors were subsequently placed under the protective care of the mother. The continued review of the father’s custodial rights is expected to consider the findings and context surrounding the incident, including any prior history and the current welfare assessment of the two children [Authorities report].