Tragic Death of Four-Year-Old in Almería Leads to Provisional Detention of Mother and Partner

The Civil and Instruction Section of Court of Instance number 4 of Vera Almería has made a significant ruling this Saturday, ordering the provisional detention without bail for the mother of Lucas, the four-year-old boy whose lifeless body was found in Garrucha, Almería. Alongside her, her current partner is also being held, as both are under investigation for potential murder and habitual mistreatment, with the legal qualifications evolving as the investigation unfolds, as stated by the Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA). During the court appearance, distinct strategies were employed by the detainees. The maternal partner, who is not Lucas’s biological father but lived with him and the mother, chose to testify before the judge despite having a restraining order against the mother. In stark contrast, the mother invoked her constitutional right to remain silent during the proceedings. This judicial decision was made just three days following the shocking discovery of the child's body in a rocky area along the coastal boundary between Garrucha and Mojácar, Almería. The circumstances surrounding the case have drawn severe criticism from the private prosecution regarding the management of the situation by public authorities. Lawyer José Luis Martín, representing the boy’s maternal grandfather and acting for the prosecution after filing a missing person’s report, has expressed strong disapproval of the protective protocols that failed to safeguard Lucas. According to Martín, there had been apparent indicators of physical violence and neglect, which were overlooked by both the school and security forces prior to the tragic incident. The family’s legal representation commented that Lucas attended school showing visible bruises and had been seen with a fractured or dislocated arm, prompting no action from the educational institution concerning child abuse or absenteeism protocols. Furthermore, the boy’s great-aunt attempted to alert the Civil Guard by presenting a photograph evidencing injuries on Lucas’s temple; however, no steps were taken, as there had yet to be a formal complaint made by the mother nor a medical report documenting the injuries. Reports suggest that the detained individuals may have deliberately avoided medical attention for Lucas to prevent the documentation of the physical abuse. As the investigation continues, autopsy findings and subsequent police proceedings will play a critical role in establishing the specific responsibility and the extent of participation of each individual involved in the child's death. The affected maternal family, overwhelmed by grief, has made clear their wish for justice, insisting that those accountable face the full extent of the law, regardless of their familial connections. Additionally, the grandfather has expressed his intention to pursue custody of the child that the detained woman is expecting, who is currently five months pregnant, to prevent the newborn from being placed under her care after birth. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2