The trial against the accused of killing two people in Las Seiscientas de Albacete in 2023 and attempting to end the life of a third person began this Friday in the Second Section of the Provincial Court of the capital with the selection of the jury and the initial arguments of all parties.
The popular jury, as provided by law for these crimes, consisting of nine main members and two alternates, was selected this morning, composed of six women and three men, as well as two alternates (one man and one woman) from different parts of the province, and they will be responsible for issuing a verdict on whether the facts presented have been proven and on the defendant’s guilt.
After reading the two indictment documents, the prosecutor emphasized in her argument that they have been «investigating the case for two years» and have «more than enough evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt» after an extensive police investigation that includes the analysis of gunpowder residues, wiretapping of those involved, and the testimony of individuals present during the altercation.
The State’s prosecution acknowledged that the weapon was never found «because the accused made it disappear to exculpate himself,» but stated that residues of gunshots were found in the clothing seized at his residence, which place him as the only person who carried a firearm during the fight.
Furthermore, the prosecutor argued that the accused did not kill his brother as a reckless homicide but «knowingly that he could impact his brother,» highlighting the fact that he did not take him to the hospital afterwards and abandoned him on the street.
On the other hand, the private prosecution by the mother of A.F.G., one of the deceased and son of the injured man, emphasized the seriousness of the events in her argument.
«It is the worst possible crime being judged, which is murder. The accused executed a person with a shot one meter from the head in front of their parents. It is the most cruel thing there is,» she emphasized during her statement, stating that the amount of evidence collected serves to «destroy with certainty the alleged innocence of the accused.»
DEFENSE OF THE ACCUSED
The defense of the accused argued in its statement that the facts do not prove that their client was responsible for the two deaths, emphasizing the differences between the prosecution’s and the private prosecution’s written statements.
«The Prosecutor’s Office states in its document that the two individuals were on the ground fighting when my client shot, while the private prosecution claims they were standing. They also change the chronology of events,» highlighted the defense lawyer, who also pointed out that the number of shots listed in the indictment is too many for a standard gun magazine «unless he reloaded the gun, had a modified magazine, or had a second gun,» none of which was reported by any of the witnesses.
The defense also questioned the credibility of the eyewitnesses for being «relatives of the victims.»
This judicial process will deliver a verdict on one of the most significant events in recent years in Albacete, when, according to the prosecution’s document, two families clashed on the night of June 21 in the La Estrella neighborhood, resulting in two fatalities from gunshot wounds and a third person injured.
The prosecution stated in its text that the defendant, accompanied by his wife, his nephew known as ‘El Gordo,’ and his brother, went to the home of J.F.S. after a dispute between the women of both families.
Upon arrival, they made several threats, prompting J.S.F. to go out into the street with his two children.
While ‘El Gordo’ held one of the children, the defendant’s brother got into a fight with the other, leading them to the ground in a brawl.
At that moment, the accused pulled out a 7.65-millimeter pistol and shot the two individuals fighting, knowing that he could hit his own brother, who received six shots that ended his life instantly.
J.F.S.’s son was left injured and defenseless with a chest wound but was then shot point-blank in the head.
Afterwards, the accused aimed his gun at J.F.S. and tried to shoot, but the gun momentarily jammed. J.F.S. took advantage to rush towards him, and after being shot in the hand, managed to make the gun fall to the ground.
At that moment, seeing more people arriving at the scene, the accused decided to flee to his home, taking the gun and shouting, «I have killed my brother because of you, I’m going to kill you, you all have to leave this place.» He was arrested hours later in his neighborhood.
The prosecution has requested 15 years in prison for homicide, 25 years for murder, seven years for attempted homicide, and three years for illegal possession of weapons.
They also demand a prohibition for the accused to reside in Albacete for 30 years.
Additionally, the prosecution has requested a compensation of 10,600 euros for J.F.S. for the injuries suffered, another 10,000 euros for the sequelae, and 50,000 euros for the death of his son, an amount that will also be awarded to the deceased’s mother.
They also seek compensation of 120,000 euros for each of the deceased’s two children and 20,000 euros for each of his three siblings.
Furthermore, the prosecution has demanded that the accused pay an additional compensation of 120,000 euros for the son of his own brother.
The next session of the trial will take place on Monday, May 26, with the defendant’s statement scheduled for Thursday, May 29.
FUENTE