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Trial begins of Murcia couple accused of burning an ex-lover alive
The body of their victim was found in a burned-out car in a Cartagena field
The most sensational trial of the year begins in the Region of Murcia on Monday November 6. A jury has been sworn in to hear the testimony of Natalia MR, a young resident of Torre Pacheco, and her fiance, 27-year-old Agustín MA of Cartagena. The pair stands accused of running over and burning alive Natalia’s ex-boyfriend, 34-year-old Juan Manuel Rodríguez.
In the early hours of August 23, 2021, the victim’s body was discovered in a burned-out car in a Cartagena field. A port-mortem revealed what Juan Manuel was still alive when the fire was started, and that he had been run over and badly beaten beforehand.
The convoluted love triangle began five or six months before the fateful night, when Natalia broke up with the deceased and moved in with Agustín. At the time of the murder, 20-year-old Natalia had a restraining order against her current boyfriend, and still met with her ex from time to time.
On the night in question, Natalia drove to Juan Manuel’s home. They travelled in the victim’s car to a rural farm in Los Maínes and she and phoned her partner at 2.39am to tell him where she was. In a jealous rage, Agustín cycled to the area and beat Juan Manuel badly, even hitting him over the head with a wrench.
Juan Manuel got into a car with the pair, possibly assuming they were taking him to hospital. Instead, Natalia, who didn’t have a licence, drove to a secluded field in the La Puebla district, where another physical fight broke out between the love rivals.
Juan Manuel tried to flee but his ex-girlfriend drove after him, hitting him with the car and pinning him between the bonnet and a fence. Realising the extent of his injuries, the couple threw the still-conscious victim into the back seat of the car and set it alight.
The two now each face 34 years behind bars for murder, illegal detention and criminal damage. The Prosecutor’s Office is also asking for an additional year for Agustín since he violated the restraining order and a fine for Natalia, who was driving without a valid licence.
If convicted, the will also have to pay 400,000 euros in compensation to the victim’s 11-year-old daughter and other relatives.
In other news: Most important golf competition in Murcia gets a new sponsor
Image: Guardia Civil
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