In the quiet town of Cubellas, Catalonia, Spain, a heinous crime shocked the community and captured the attention of the nation. Known as the City Guard Crime, it involved the brutal murder of Pedro Rodriguez, a 38-year-old agent of the Guardia Urbana de Barcelona. His charred body was discovered on May 4, 2017, inside a burnt car near the Pantano de Foix. This article delves into the chilling details of the case, the trial that followed, and the impact it had on both the victims and the perpetrators.
The Triangular Love Affair
The City Guard Crime was not just a tale of murder; it was a story entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and revenge. The key players in this tragic drama were Pedro Rodriguez, Rosa Peral, and Albert Lopez, all members of the Guardia Urbana de Barcelona. Rodriguez was in a relationship with Peral, but she was having an affair with Lopez, her fellow officer. The love triangle had already generated scandal within the department, with Peral accusing a colleague of revenge porn and Lopez involved in a controversial arrest that led to a man’s death.
The Fateful Night
On the fateful night of May 1, 2017, tensions came to a head. According to the prosecution, Peral and Lopez conspired to kill Rodriguez, with the intention of rekindling their relationship and eliminating the obstacle in their path. The defense, however, painted a different picture. Lopez claimed that Peral had attacked him, and in self-defense, he accidentally killed Rodriguez. The details surrounding the events that unfolded that night remained murky, with conflicting testimonies from the accused.
The Shocking Discovery
The aftermath of the crime was as gruesome as the act itself. After killing Rodriguez, Peral and Lopez hid his lifeless body in the trunk of their car and transported it to the Pantano de Foix. There, they set the car on fire, attempting to erase all evidence of their heinous act. It was a chilling scene when the authorities discovered the burnt-out vehicle, completely unaware of the gruesome secret it contained. The murder had taken place, and the search for justice was about to begin.
The Trial and Verdict
The City Guard Crime captivated the nation, and the trial that followed was closely watched by the public. The case was heard by a jury, who listened to the testimonies and examined the evidence presented by the prosecution and defense. Peral and Lopez, both facing charges of murder, traded accusations, each blaming the other for Rodriguez’s death. The prosecution argued that the crime was premeditated, driven by jealousy and a desire to eliminate the victim. After six days of deliberation, eight of the ten jurors found Peral and Lopez guilty of the murder with treachery.
Sentencing and Appeals
The verdict brought a sense of closure to the family of Pedro Rodriguez, but the legal battle was far from over. Peral and Lopez were handed down their sentences – 25 years for Peral and 20 years for Lopez. Additionally, they were ordered to pay €885,000 in compensation to the victim’s family. Peral received an additional five years for the aggravating factor of kinship. Both convicts appealed the decision, but their efforts proved futile. The sentences were upheld by both the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Cataluña and the Tribunal Supremo.
Impact on Popular Culture
The City Guard Crime left an indelible mark on Spanish society, and its impact extended beyond the courtroom. The case inspired various forms of artistic expression, reflecting the public’s fascination with true crime stories. In January 2022, a four-episode docuseries titled “El crimen de la Guardia Urbana” aired, exploring the details of the case. Furthermore, a miniseries titled “El cuerpo en llamas” was announced in September 2022, starring renowned actors Úrsula Corbero, Quim Gutierrez, Jose Manuel Poga, and Isak Ferriz. The series, set to premiere in September 2023 on Netflix, promises to delve deeper into the tragic events that unfolded during the City Guard Crime.
The City Guard Crime remains a chilling reminder of the depths to which human betrayal can sink. Pedro Rodriguez’s life was cut short in a web of deceit and jealousy, leaving a void in the lives of his loved ones. The trial and subsequent verdict brought some semblance of justice, but the scars left by this heinous act will forever remain. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of trust and the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions.
