The Gipuzkoa town of Irun is in shock after the death of a woman who was stabbed by her 47-year-old son at her home. The victim, who was taken in critical condition to the University Hospital of Donostia, died hours later due to the severity of her injuries.
The alleged assailant, who was arrested minutes after the attack, remains in police custody awaiting trial in the coming hours.
A stabbing attack and a motorcycle getaway
The incident took place on Wednesday at half past one in the afternoon, when the assailant went to his mother’s home, located in Kostorbe Alde street, in the neighborhood of Santiago.
According to the investigation, the man attacked his mother with a knife inside the house, while an aunt of the assailant and the victim’s partner tried to help her. After the assault, the attacker fled on a motorcycle, but was located and arrested a few minutes later by the Ertzaintza.
Initial medical reports confirmed that the woman had suffered extremely serious injuries and she was rushed to hospital. She finally died at 22:30 hours on Wednesday night.
Shocked neighbors and history of mental health problems
Neighbors and acquaintances of the victim have expressed their dismay at the crime, describing her as a woman dedicated to her children and family.
Begoña, an acquaintance of the deceased, assured that “nobody expected this”, recalling that the last time she saw her she was walking with her mother, whom she had taken out of the nursing home.
Some neighbors have pointed out that the aggressor suffered from depression, although they did not know to what extent his mental health condition could have influenced the tragedy.
“The head goes the way it goes. Sometimes things happen that no one can explain,” commented an affected neighbor.
Ongoing investigation and possible indictment for homicide
The assailant, who was initially arrested for attempted murder, is now facing a charge of manslaughter following the death of his mother.
In the next few hours, the Ertzaintza will proceed to present the detainee before the duty court, where they will determine the precautionary measures to be applied and whether he will be remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, the commotion continues in Irun, where relatives and neighbors are still trying to assimilate the tragedy that occurred in the Santiago neighborhood.
A second parricide in Irun in a few weeks
This tragic event is in addition to another similar case that occurred just a month ago in Irun, when a 52-year-old man was arrested for killing his 84-year-old mother after an argument in the family home. According to the Ertzaintza, the victim suffered a violent aggression that caused her death on the spot. This new parricide puts the focus back on domestic violence and the need to strengthen mental health care and prevention of these episodes.
