A 43-year-old man killed his 13-year-old daughter in Bilbao before taking his own life, local police confirmed on Friday. The incident took place around 5 a.m. in the family home located in the Larraskitu neighborhood, on the southwestern outskirts of the city.
The tragedy reportedly began with an argument during which the man injured his partner. The woman managed to escape and called the police from the street, fearing for her daughter’s life. She was taken to Basurto Hospital while officers headed to the scene. After forcing entry into the home, police found the girl’s lifeless body and that of the perpetrator, who had apparently committed suicide in the bathroom after the murder.
The investigation is now being handled by the Ertzaintza, the Basque regional police, as it is considered a possible case of gender-based violence. In a statement released this morning, police reported that “both bodies showed signs of violence, apparently caused by a bladed weapon.” Forensic teams remain at the scene collecting evidence.
Basque regional president Imanol Pradales has condemned the crime, suggesting it may be a case of vicarious violence. “We may be facing the most brutal and horrific form of gender-based violence,” he said during a public appearance in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
