Shock in Manresa over the murder of a gardener stabbed by a group of minors

Hundreds of residents gathered in Manresa, near Barcelona, on Wednesday to demand justice following the stabbing death of Carles Vilajosana, a 45-year-old resident of Castellnou de Bages. The victim was found with severe stab wounds in the early hours of Tuesday morning on the street of Sant Jaume, a location that had been bustling with activity during the final night of Manresa’s major festival. Vilajosana, who worked as a gardener and was known locally for his involvement in cultural events such as the Correfoc and Patum de Berga, succumbed to his injuries after emergency services failed to revive him despite efforts to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The attack occurred amid reports of a group of four young individuals causing disturbances in the area during the late-night celebrations. According to eyewitness accounts collected by the local newspaper Regi�7, the group was described as highly agitated. These accounts proved crucial in helping police identify two suspects, both minors aged 15 and 16 years old, who were arrested later that day. One of them is believed to have delivered the fatal blow. The investigation into the incident continues, with authorities examining possible motives and additional suspects. Manresa’s mayor, Marc Aloy, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced that the city council would formally participate as a public prosecutor in the case. He led a minute of silence at the town hall at noon, accompanied by regional officials including the Justice Councilor Ramon Espadaler and the delegate of the Government in Central Catalonia, �lia Tortolero. Earlier in the day, hundreds of people had assembled at the main square, where the municipal building is located, to express their outrage and call for justice. Núria Parlon, the Counselor for Interior and Public Security of the Catalan government, criticized far-right political groups for exploiting the incident to spread hate speech. She specifically targeted Vox and Alliance Catalonia, accusing them of promoting xenophobic rhetoric against the two minors detained in connection with the crime. Parlon emphasized that both suspects are native Catalans, one is the child of Catalan parents, while the other comes from an immigrant family. She condemned the leaders of these parties for using the case to stoke fear and prejudice against vulnerable youth, particularly unaccompanied foreign minors. The incident has reignited debates about rising insecurity linked to immigration in Catalonia. Sílvia Orriols, leader of Alliance Catalonia, took to social media to accuse Moroccan youths of being responsible for the attack, stating, “A group of Moroccan minors, those so loved by Salvador Illa for welcoming, chased him through the streets of Manresa and stabbed him. How much longer will this continue?” Similarly, Ignacio Garriga, head of Vox in Catalonia, echoed similar sentiments, asserting, “If it depended on Vox, not one would remain on our streets. Enough of playing with the lives of Spaniards.” Authorities are currently searching a residence in the old quarter of Manresa as part of their ongoing investigation. Some sources suggest that the two suspects have prior records of violent behavior and are familiar to law enforcement. While no official confirmation has been given yet, there are indications that more arrests could follow in the coming days. Both suspects are currently held at the Manresa police station. Carles Vilajosana, a father of twin children and a separated individual, was well-known and respected in his community. Local officials and neighbors described him as a kind and non-confrontational person who contributed to the region through his work at a local winery. His death has left a profound impact on the town, prompting calls for unity and reflection in the face of such violence.