The remains of Francisca Cadenas Márquez, a woman who disappeared in Hornachos, Badajoz, in May 2017, have been positively identified, authorities confirmed Thursday. The discovery, made in the patio of a residence in the same town, has led to the arrest of two brothers, both neighbors of the victim, who are currently being investigated for homicide.
The identification of the remains concludes a nearly nine-year search for Cadenas, whose disappearance sparked widespread concern in the region. The Guardia Civil’s Unidad Central Operativa (UCO) played a pivotal role in the renewed investigation, focusing on the two brothers after re-opening the case in January of this year. The UCO had initially reactivated the investigation in November 2014, but the case stalled before being revisited earlier this year.
The remains were found buried beneath a paved area in the patio of the brothers’ home, a location described as being filled with flowerpots and washing machines. Biological analysis definitively confirmed the remains belonged to Cadenas, according to officials. The mayor of Hornachos, Francisco Buenavista, stated that the family had “unfortunately already believed this outcome was likely after so much time.”
Even as the investigation had remained open despite the years that passed, the case gained significant momentum with the renewed focus on the brothers’ property. Agents from the UCO and the Grupo de Rescate e Intervención en Montaña (GREIM) conducted a thorough search of the residence, ultimately leading to the discovery of the remains.
The two detainees were taken into custody as prime suspects in Cadenas’s death. They have since been questioned by authorities, and their legal representation has indicated they are “devastated” by the situation. The men are expected to appear before a judge within 72 hours, though it remains unclear whether the hearing will seize place in Zafra or Villafranca de los Barros.
The government delegate in Extremadura, José Luis Quintana, described the case as “complicated and very complex,” and emphasized the importance of the Guardia Civil’s persistence. He also noted that investigators are continuing their work, as the initial phase of the investigation has concluded, but further analysis is required. Quintana also stated that the Guardia Civil had been in contact with Cadenas’s family to offer support and acknowledge their trust in the authorities throughout the lengthy investigation.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cadenas’s disappearance and death is ongoing, with authorities focusing on establishing a clear timeline of events and gathering further evidence.
