48 years in prison for Antony and Joshua, the killers of Eneritz in Bocas del Toro: the investigation accurately reconstructed the brutal robbery that cost the life of the young Basque woman

Antony Planes and Joshua Parris, two citizens of Panama, have been sentenced to 48 years in prison for the murder of Eneritz Argintxona Frail, a 30-year-old Spanish woman from the Basque region of Vizcaya. The sentencing was announced on July 22, 2026, following a trial that concluded in June of the same year. The crime occurred on July 23, 2024, during a peaceful walk along the beach of Isla Carenero, part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama. Eneritz, who had spent several months volunteering in hostels in Costa Rica before taking her vacation in Panama, was killed in a violent robbery that turned into a brutal attack. The investigation, led by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office for Homicide and Feminicide in Bocas del Toro, gathered over 50 pieces of evidence against Planes and Parris, both known drug users and habitual thieves in the area. Their criminal history included multiple incidents of theft targeting tourists, which made them familiar figures in the community. The court found them guilty of femicide, defined as the killing of a woman by a man due to misogyny, and aggravated robbery. Each received a 30-year prison term for the former charge and an additional 18 years for the latter. These maximum penalties reflect the severity of their actions under Panamanian law. The incident began with what should have been a pleasant seaside stroll for Eneritz. However, she became the target of a premeditated assault. According to the court's findings, Planes approached her from behind and struck her repeatedly with the handle of a machete, causing a traumatic brain injury that ultimately led to her death. Parris followed shortly after, stealing her belongings including her phone, a GoPro camera, and earphones. After fleeing the scene, they left her body undisturbed on rocky terrain near the beach. It remained there for three days until it was discovered on July 26, 2024, by a 14-year-old American boy who was heading to the beach to surf. The discovery prompted an immediate police response, leading to the arrest of both suspects. They were held in preventive detention since August 2024. During the trial, Planes, known by the nickname “Leche,” initially denied involvement in the crime, even claiming he did not touch the victim’s phone. However, this claim was contradicted by evidence presented by prosecutor Marissa Caballero. She testified that Planes and Parris had followed Eneritz while she walked along the shore and that Planes had attacked her with the machete. Further proof came from witnesses who stated that Planes had sold the stolen iPhone 11 Pro, a pink-colored device, just two days after the murder. This act confirmed his guilt and led to his eventual capture in his mother’s home in the town of Almirante. Parris, too, has a documented history of criminal activity. He was known for his frequent association with Planes and their shared addiction to drugs. A witness testified that he had seen Planes using marijuana in his mother’s house on July 25, 2024, and had learned that Planes possessed a phone capable of unlocking devices, which was later identified as the one taken from Eneritz. This testimony played a crucial role in corroborating the prosecution’s case. The trial, attended by the Spanish media outlet Crónica, highlighted the meticulous nature of the investigation. The judge, Arnulfo Ávila from the town of Changuinola, delivered the verdict based on overwhelming evidence. Both defendants were already in custody, ensuring that the legal process could proceed without further delay. The case underscores the dangers faced by tourists in areas where petty crimes and drug-related offenses are common, and it serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures in such regions.