Man detained after 30-year-old woman killed in Gijón, probed as gender violence

The killing in Jove

A 30-year-old woman was found dead on Thursday, 12 November, on Calle Francisco Eiriz in the Jove neighbourhood of Gijón, Asturias. The National Police told Europa Press that a 40-year-old man had been arrested as the alleged perpetrator. Police sources told Efe that the man was the woman's former partner, and officers are investigating the death as a possible case of gender violence. Europa Press reported that the killing took place around 15:00, while elDiario.es put it at about three in the afternoon. Scientific Police began collecting samples at an abandoned former school complex near the Puerto de Gijón football ground, where the body was found. The arrested man is being held in the cells of the National Police station.

Prior complaint and open questions

Police sources said the man had a previous complaint on record, but it is not yet known whether the woman was the one who filed it. elDiario.es reported that it had not been confirmed whether the victim was registered in the Viogén system or had filed complaints against the arrested man. La Vanguardia reported that the victim had several stab wounds to her neck and chest, and that the first emergency call came in at about 15:40. The investigation remains open to establish whether the case is a new instance of gender violence.

Government and political reaction

The Government Delegation in Asturias said all indications point to gender violence, but evidence is still being gathered and the case is awaiting official confirmation from the Interior Ministry. Asturias regional president Adrián Barbón sent his condolences to the victim's family in a post on X, describing the killing as a case of machista violence. He wrote:

“This murder reminds us that the fight against machismo must be relentless and constant. We will not rest until we achieve it.”

Barbón had been due to take part that afternoon in a campaign event in Langreo with Adriana Lastra, former government delegate and the PSOE's lead candidate for Congress in Asturias. After learning of the killing, the Socialist Federation of Asturias (FSA) agreed to cancel the event. If the Interior Ministry confirms the case, Spanish media count 44 women killed by partners or former partners in Spain in 2026, and 1,386 since 2003, according to La Vanguardia.

Victim support services

The 016 helpline for victims of gender violence operates around the clock in 53 languages, and it also accepts WhatsApp messages at 600 000 016 and online queries by email. La Razón noted that legal advice is available from 8:00 to 22:00 every day. In an emergency, people can call 112, the National Police on 091 or the Guardia Civil on 062, or use the Alertcops app, which sends a geolocated alert to the police. Minors can contact the ANAR Foundation on 900 20 20 10, according to RTVE.es.