Maria Eugenia Prendes, the current judge handling cases of violence against women, emphasized during an interview from Oviedo, northern Spain, that Laura Cruz had explicitly stated she knew Dámaso Fernández would not stop until he killed her. This statement, according to Prendes, should be the central point of focus in understanding the tragic events that unfolded. The incident took place on August 5th, when Dámaso Fernández, a former member of the Civil Guard, violated a restraining order and entered the Llanes barracks where he and Laura had previously lived with their three children. He approached her alone, with the intention of killing her. Laura was 50 years old, while Dámaso, who was 49, was shot dead by police to prevent him from continuing his attack. The confrontation occurred in the early hours of the morning, ending in a fatal outcome for both individuals. According to accounts from witnesses, Dámaso had been systematically abusing Laura for years prior to the murder. Their relationship ended around 2012, after Laura became pregnant with twins and their eldest child, who carried his mother’s body to the funeral, was six years old. Dámaso moved to Girona to train as a dog handler and did not return to Llanes. In 2014, they separated and agreed on custody arrangements for their three children. However, Dámaso continued to exert psychological pressure on Laura, often visiting her without notice and using their shared home without justification. Between 2014 and 2019, Dámaso filed approximately 45 complaints against Laura, many of which were dismissed. These allegations ranged from minor issues such as missing bed linens to delays in providing children's toys. Rather than pursuing legal action through civil proceedings, Dámaso consistently used criminal charges as a means of harassment. According to the commanding officer of the barracks, these actions were intended to torment Laura rather than resolve disputes. She feared losing her job within the Civil Guard, while Dámaso saw the situation as a game. In July 2019, tensions escalated further. On the day Dámaso was supposed to pick up the children, Laura requested that he not be allowed into the barracks due to fear. She believed he would kill her. As a result, Dámaso attempted to enter the premises by parking his car and entering through the back door. During this encounter, he attacked Laura, striking her repeatedly in the head. Twelve bystanders witnessed the assault, describing it as severe. Although Laura suffered broken teeth and bruises, she survived. A guard intervened and struck Dámaso in the nose, preventing further harm. The three children also witnessed the abuse, leading to the suspension of Dámaso’s visitation rights. The legal process surrounding this case has been complex. The trial was postponed multiple times due to procedural irregularities, ultimately concluding on July 15, 2025, with a ruling from the Provincial Court of Oviedo confirming a conviction initially handed down by the Criminal Court in Gijón in March 2024. Dámaso was found guilty of a gender-based violence offense. The case highlights the persistent challenges faced by victims of domestic abuse within institutional settings, particularly within law enforcement. It underscores the need for stronger protections and more effective responses to threats posed by individuals within such organizations.
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