‘Playing Card Killer’ faces 151 years behind bars

22 February 2005

MADRID-A former soldier called the ‘Playing Card Killer’ faces 151 years in jail if found guilty of shooting dead six people in cold blood.

Alfredo Galán Sotillo is said to have carried out the killings, and three attempted murders, in Madrid during the first few months of 2003 – then left a playing card after each murder.

As Galan’s alleged cold-blooded murder of six people was related to the court, the trial has gripped Spain.

As the trial neared its end, the prosecutor asked the judge to jail Galan for 151 years if he is convicted.

But Galan’s defence lawyer said he was only guilty of possessing a fire arm illegally and should only be jailed for one year.

The 26-year-old, who gave himself up to police in July last year in Puertollano, near Cuidad Real, is said to have confessed to all the crimes, though later withdrew this alleged confession.

He told a judge at a later hearing that he was innocent.

Galan is alleged to have started his killing spree on 24 January 2003, when he left his home in Alcalá de Henares, a town outside Madrid, and drove into the city armed with a 7.6mm Tokarev pistol.

He allegedly decided to kill the first person he came across when the moment was right.

Galan forced his way into the home of Juan Francisco L.L., (whose full name was not given in court) and his two-year-old son.

He shot the father in the head and afterwards attempted to hide the body.

Later on 5 February, at a bus stop in Alameda de Osuna, he shot dead Juan Carlos M.E.

On the same day, Galan allegedly went into a bar in Alcalá de Henares, where he shot dead Mikel J.S., who was the son of the owner, and Juana Dolores U.L., who happened to be drinking there at the time.

He fired three shots at a man named only as T.S.G, who survived, despite being hit in the back, leg and arm.

Then on 7 March, Galan drove to a nearby area called Tres Cantos, where he shot a woman named as S.E.S.E., who also survived and is under protection.

She later identified Galan as the man who left her for dead.

On 18 March, Galan shot dead two Romanians, named as Gheorghie M. And  Doina M.

No motive has emerged for the alleged murders, but after each one he is said to have left a playing card as a ‘calling card’.

Galan denies all charges.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news