Spanish judge probes partner of architect Josep Juanpere over suspicious death in Baqueira

Judicial order and forensic findings

A court in Vielha has placed Belén López Granados under formal investigation for suspected homicide following the death of architect Josep Juanpere i Miret at his holiday apartment in Baqueira. The investigating magistrate released the 64-year-old suspect on provisional bail set at 80,000 euros after her arrest by the Mossos d'Esquadra in Madrid. The judicial resolution states that López faces potential charges of homicide either through action or omission, which carry statutory penalties of up to 15 years in prison. Although the preliminary autopsy determined that the 72-year-old architect suffered a fatal cardiorespiratory arrest, forensic examiners recorded injuries across the full width of his neck consistent with the application of external force. The defense attributes these physical marks to a domestic fall that occurred two days before his death.

Sequence of events in Baqueira

The timeline established by investigators begins on the afternoon of 24 December 2025, when López arrived at the apartment in the Val de Ruda development near the Baqueira-Beret ski resort. During Christmas Eve dinner with Juanpere and his nephew, Àlex, the architect felt unwell during dessert and collapsed against a metal radiator, prompting an examination at Vielha Hospital. Medical staff discharged Juanpere after several hours of observation when he appeared conscious and spoke normally despite gastrointestinal distress. The group subsequently relocated to the AC Baqueira hotel for the night because the apartment required cleaning following the incident. On 25 December, Juanpere and López returned to the residence, where he remained weak, consumed only water and rehydration solutions, and exhibited no recorded activity on his mobile telephone.

Discovery of the body and initial response

Concerns intensified on the evening of 26 December when Juanpere failed to answer repeated telephone calls and messages from family members. The architect's nephew entered the residence around 20:50 alongside an acquaintance, using an X-ray sheet with the assistance of the building concierge because a key remained inside the lock mechanism. Responders discovered López inside a locked bedroom administering one-handed chest compressions while holding a telephone, having placed no calls to medical services or relatives throughout the day. Medical personnel performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 30 minutes on Juanpere's cold body without success. While paramedics conducted resuscitation efforts, López made unprompted remarks regarding their domestic situation.

I wanted to marry him and he did not want to get married.

Telecommunications analysis and ongoing probe

Police inquiries into the case remained under judicial secrecy for nine months while regional officers conducted surveillance and intercepted communications. Investigators searched residential properties belonging to López in Madrid and Málaga, confiscating computers and electronic storage units for technical analysis. The examining judge has ordered telecommunications providers to supply connection records for the local cell tower covering Val de Ruda on 25 and 26 December to verify whether third parties entered the property. Wiretapped messages from May and June 2026 showed López expressing grief and disbelief to personal acquaintances regarding the sudden death. Court documents also note testimony from witnesses and an email from Juanpere's son detailing tensions in the couple's relationship dating back to the summer of 2025.