Trial Begins for Alleged Murderer of Colombian Woman in Marbella
The accused killer of Natalia, a 45-year-old Colombian woman who was brutally decapitated by her partner in Marbella, is set to face trial starting next week. Leonel H., who could face up to 26 years in prison for murder, will have his first hearing on Wednesday, 16 October.
Prosecution Claims Crime was Preplanned
As previously reported by SUR, the public prosecution team believes that Leonel, who was also 45 at the time of the incident, had planned the crime days in advance. Natalia had reported him to the authorities for alleged abuse a month prior to her murder. The prosecution alleges that Leonel acted with full knowledge of the consequences and took steps to hide evidence that could implicate him.
The Crime Scene and Method
On the morning of Sunday, 8 January, Leonel reportedly asked a colleague to rent a windowless cargo van. After collecting the vehicle, they drove to a church where Leonel knew he would find Natalia, who attended services there every Sunday. According to the prosecution, Leonel approached Natalia, put her in the van, and drove to the Pinomar car park with their mutual friend.
The Brutal Murder
After arriving at the car park, Leonel and Natalia exited the vehicle while their friend continued on to La Cañada. Leonel then drove Natalia to Playa Real de Zaragoza where, according to the investigation, they had sex. Afterwards, Leonel allegedly used the ‘mataleón’ technique to render Natalia unconscious before decapitating her with a box cutter and disposing of her head and hands in the sea.
Attempt to Conceal the Crime
Following the murder, Leonel allegedly undressed Natalia’s body and dragged it into the sea, making an incision in the abdomen to ensure the body would sink and remain unidentified. He then discarded the murder weapon and Natalia’s belongings in various locations before returning home.
Prosecution Seeks Maximum Sentence
The prosecution is seeking a sentence of 25 years and nine months for Leonel. Natalia’s children, represented by lawyer Ricardo Álvarez-Ossorio, are requesting a 26-year sentence and 150,000 euros in compensation for each child. They also request that, if convicted, Leonel should not be deported from Spain and should serve his full sentence in the country where the crime was committed.
