Police arrest man over fatal knife attack on woman, 45, in Murcia

The death in La Fama

Police and emergency services were called to the La Fama district of Murcia on Monday, 2 November, after a 45-year-old woman died from a knife wound. A neighbour alerted the 112 emergency line at 9.34 after hearing shouting from an argument. National Police patrols went to a building on Santa Rita street, where they found the woman. Staff from the mobile emergency unit of the Servicio Murciano de Salud could only certify her death.

Where the attack happened

The reports differ on the setting. Europa Press and ABC describe a stabbing inside a home in block 4 of Santa Rita street, while LaSexta and EL PAÍS place the attack in the street. LaSexta says the body was found in the street and that police arrested the main suspect minutes later. EL PAÍS, citing sources close to the case, says neighbours witnessed the assault and raised the alarm. The available reports do not settle which version is correct.

The arrest and open questions

Europa Press first reported that police had opened a judicial investigation and were searching for a man who fled after an alleged argument with the victim. Later reports say a man was detained, with LaSexta describing him as the main suspect and ABC, citing AMP, saying he was detained after fleeing. The Brigada Provincial de Policía Judicial has taken over the investigation.

LaSexta, citing police sources, says both the detained man and the woman are Spanish nationals. LaSexta also says the case could be a new instance of gender violence, but EL PAÍS reports that authorities have not confirmed this. EL PAÍS describes La Fama as one of the most deprived districts in the city, with frequent drug trafficking problems, and says the woman often visited the area. Investigators are still working to establish the relationship between the two people.