Tragedy in Benalmádena as dead bodies of man and woman found with gunshot wounds

A chilling incident on the Costa del Sol has left people in shock, as National Police officers discovered the dead bodies of a man and a woman at a residence in Benalmádena on Tuesday afternoon. This grim discovery has raised disturbing questions as investigators delve into the circumstances of their deaths.

The victims have been identified as a 63-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, who were a Spanish couple with three children, aged 21, 20, and 17. According to sources, the tragic event occurred within their home located in the Torrequebrada area.

The incident came to light when neighbours, alarmed by the sound of multiple gunshots, promptly reported the situation to the authorities at around 5pm. In response, several police units and 061 paramedics were dispatched to the address given.

Despite their prompt arrival, the intervention of law enforcement and health workers could not save the lives of the pair. The authorities discovered the lifeless body of Paqui, the 52-year-old woman who worked as a cleaner at the Sunset Beach Club hotel, in the living room, who had been shot several times.

In the bedroom, they found the lifeless body of the 63-year-old man with a single gunshot wound to his chest. Next to his body, was a shotgun, seemingly the weapon used in this tragic incident.

Initial theories suggest that the man may have murdered his wife using the shotgun before turning the weapon on himself. These findings remain under investigation as authorities work to uncover the motive and events leading up to their death.

Tragically, the couple's 17-year-old child had lunch with their parents before leaving the house. Upon returning, the teenager was confronted with the heartbreaking news of the loss of both of their parents.

Disturbingly, Spain's Ministry of Equality confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that this incident has been classified as a gender-based crime, making it the fourth of its kind recorded in the Malaga province this year. The neighbours and colleagues of the woman, Paqui, reportedly had no suspicion that she was a victim of this, and there were no prior complaints of mistreatment.

Notably, all the gender-based murders confirmed in 2023 in the Malaga province have occurred on the Costa del Sol, highlighting the pressing issue of domestic violence. The tragic series of incidents underscores the importance of addressing and preventing such violence in society, as families and communities grapple with the aftermath of these devastating losses.