The career of a decorated National Police chief inspector, awarded the red merit medal, has been a path of dedication and resolution of cases that seem straight out of a crime novel. This officer, originally from Cádiz, has been recognized for his work in criminal investigations, where, in his own words, “the solution lies in the details.”
One of the most notable cases he participated in was known as “the angel of death,” which resulted in a twenty-year prison sentence. The investigation began after the death of a 92-year-old woman in a hospital in Alcalá de Henares, a death that, although initially not suspicious, raised the alarm of the internist. After comparing several similar cases, a coincidence was identified: the same clinical assistant was on duty on all occasions. Patience and observation were key to gathering the necessary evidence, including the installation of cameras in the hospital, which ultimately allowed the facts to be clarified.
“"It was never known, but I have a simple, non-scientific explanation. Sometimes senile patients become aggressive, they are difficult to treat, and a simple way to end the problem is to over-oxygenate them."
The inspector, who has been a source of inspiration for crime novels, has recently been promoted to chief inspector and now heads the citizen security group in Alcorcón, a city in the Madrid metropolitan area. This new position implies a temporary shift from direct investigations, although the officer describes the city as quiet with low crime rates.
Throughout his career, he has dealt with everything from drug trafficking in Cádiz, where activity was concentrated in the Campo de Gibraltar, to kidnapping and extortion cases at the general police headquarters, which covers the entire national territory. He earned his first medal for resolving the kidnapping of citizens in Colombia, a case that required complex negotiation. He has also worked in homicides, where he believes the true core of pure investigation lies.
The officer emphasizes that crime resolution is not limited to the first 48 hours but often depends on what is done in the initial moments of the body's discovery. Despite technological advancements, he stresses that the “perfect crime” is not impossible, especially when there is no apparent link between the victim and the perpetrator. His method resembles that of classic detectives, based on direct observation and rational thought, always looking for the most subtle details.
