The Marquises of Urquijo: A Tale of Family, Trauma, and the Quest for Privacy
Ah, the inheritance of trauma! It’s like an unwanted family tradition that keeps on giving. Forty years after the tragic murder of the Marquises of Urquijo, their children, Myriam and the late Juan de la Sierra Urquijo, have finally reached a judicial conclusion regarding the grisly public interest in their parents’ demise. You would think the law would have more pressing matters to attend to than to settle a family squabble over whether a few snapshots of deceased parents should be plastered across the internet like a vintage rock band tour poster!
On August 2, 1980, in the plush confines of their chalet in the glamorously named Somosaguas, the marquises met their untimely end. But, forty years later, it’s not the scandal of the murder that’s keeping these heirs awake at night—it’s the media circus that refuses to let the images of their parents’ corpses fade into obscurity. You know the kind of thing: “You’ll see it on the news tonight!” More like, “You’ll see it on the news forever!”
Justice has finally donned her sensible shoes and walked into the courtroom with a verdict that’s likely made Myriam smile in a bittersweet way and Juan roll over in his grave: the ruling upholds the siblings’ right to privacy regarding those harrowing images. Judge, jury, and *rebelling against the morbid curiosity* of the viewing public have decided that, yes, there is a limit to the rubbernecking allowed in the realm of tragic family affairs. Thank goodness! Someone get the judge a medal for discretion!
Putting the Pieces Together
The verdict allows lawyer Mario Bonacho to request the removal of all images of the unfortunate couple across the web—because, let’s face it, some memories should remain personal. Although the ruling comes decades late for Juan, who has since kicked the bucket himself, it’s a sign of the times. In today’s world, where every blemish and scandal is broadcasted like the next blockbuster, perhaps it’s time to remind everyone that these weren’t celebrities living for the spotlight—they were grieving parents who didn’t sign up for this show!
Sadly, Juan passed away two years prior, his own life marred by health issues and the eternal specter of their parents’ murder case hanging over his head like a soap opera cliffhanger. His sister Myriam, however, has bravely steered the family ship through the stormy waters of public scrutiny, assuring us that despite what the world thinks, accusations of their complicity in the murder are about as common as cab drivers in London complaining about traffic.
The ‘Cursed’ Chalet: Not Everything Has a Price
Now, let’s delve into the real estate aspect, shall we? The infamous Somosaguas chalet, the scene of the crime and currently a burdensome inheritance, could probably use a good therapist. It’s like trying to sell a haunted house without mentioning the ghosts; the “cursed” label clings tighter than old wallpaper! Currently listed for a cool €2.48 million, it’s been renewed to sprout life anew—because who wouldn’t want a luxurious home with a side of family tragedy? Victoria, the 22-year-old daughter of Juan, might as well take some eviction notices and give the spirits a quitclaim deed instead!
Closure and Moving Forward
In the end, the legal action is less about the pocket change (€5,000—how generous of the courts!) and more about reclaiming some semblance of peace. Myriam, who in her gratitude has authored a self-help book titled ‘Why Did It Happen to Me?’, which might as well be a bestselling title in the family therapy section. The irony is thick when you consider how many ‘why?’ questions the family has been asked over the years!
Myriam and Juan’s story is a poignant reminder that even amid wealth and high titles, some legacies cling tighter than a bad haircut or an embarrassing family photo. They faced public judgment, private grief, and a legal battle to replace the spectacle of their past with a little dignity. And as Myriam marches forward, let’s hope her family’s next chapter is more about healing and less about headlines.
Forty years have elapsed since the tragic murder of the Marquises of Urquijo on that fateful day of August 2, 1980, when they were brutally shot in their opulent chalet located in Somosaguas. Their children, Myriam and the late Juan de la Sierra Urquijo—who sadly passed away two years ago—have been haunted by the devastation of losing their parents, and they have still not been able to view the harrowing images depicting their parents on their deathbeds. As they navigated the public nature of their parents’ case, they were all too aware of the sustained media interest it garnered, notably following the release of the three-part miniseries ‘Caso Urquijo’ produced by Atresmedia TV in tandem with Cuerdos de Atar in 2021. In response to this continued exposure, both children opted to take legal action, seeking to prohibit the exploitation of the distressing images of their deceased parents.
Recently, justice prevailed for the Urquijo family, as confirmed by a ruling from the Court of First Instance and Instruction No. 3 of Colmenar Viejo, which was reviewed by ABC. The court observed, “The fact that the event is of general interest cannot constitute a patent of marque for the indiscriminate use of images as sensitive as those that concern us.” It emphasized that although the images had once been publicized extensively by numerous media outlets, this should not undermine the plaintiffs’ plea for privacy. The ruling acknowledged the significant social changes that have occurred over the last four decades, which now justify the Urquijo family’s demand for the respect of their personal and family privacy regarding these heartbreaking images.
This judicial victory empowers Mario Bonacho, managing partner of Averum Abogados, who represented the children of the marquises in their legal endeavors, to pursue the removal of all distressing images of their parents from various online media platforms. The final ruling has afforded the Urquijo family tranquility, allowing them to avoid the pain triggered by witnessing these sorrowful images in the news. “In a rule of law like ours, it is possible to discuss an event of marked public interest; however, it becomes a matter of discretion after more than 40 years to question the necessity of displaying such sensitive images to the public audience,” Bonacho remarked.
The objective of this legal action was not to seek substantial moral damages, an avenue which, if pursued, could have warranted claims amounting to millions. Instead, the plaintiffs made it clear from the outset that their only goal was to eliminate the continual manifestation of painful memories in the media. Consequently, the court awarded them a mere 5,000 euros as symbolic compensation for their suffering, as it was their primary intent to banish those haunting images from public view.
Despite her satisfaction with the verdict, Myriam de la Sierra Urquijo expressed deep sorrow at the thought that her brother, Juan—who was instrumental in initiating this lawsuit alongside her—did not survive to witness the ruling. The VI Marquis of Urquijo, who inherited the title from their deceased father, took his last breath on July 5, 2022, at the age of 63 in a Madrid clinic after battling a prolonged illness. He had spent many years living in Panama with his wife and children before his passing.
The Somosaguas chalet, which Juan inherited, still cannot be sold
The media spotlight shone on Juan and Myriam once again a few months ago, when reports surfaced regarding the prospective sale of the family chalet—the very site of the tragic events. In the inheritance distribution, it was Juan who resided there with his family for several years prior to relocating to Panama. Efforts to sell the property have repeatedly faltered due to the stigma of it being labeled a ‘cursed place.’ Currently, the expansive Somosaguas chalet, spanning 875 square meters of living space on a 2,721-square-meter plot, remains listed with a prestigious real estate agency for a staggering 2,480,000 euros after being fully renovated post-tragedy. The title of Marchioness of Urquijo has now been passed to Victoria, Juan’s daughter, following her request for it over a year ago. At 22 years old, she is currently pursuing her degree in Psychology at the esteemed private Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid.
A close bond characterized the relationship between Myriam de la Sierra and her younger brother Juan, as both of them endured societal scrutiny and the unfounded accusations that often unfairly suggested they bore culpability in their parents’ murder—a claim for which they were never charged. Throughout the years, Myriam has steadfastly defended both their innocence and their family’s dignity in the face of public judgment. Having been married three times, her latest spouse is the Pakistani Bash Bokhari, who also partners with her in their network marketing business. Amidst her personal trials, Myriam faced significant financial hardships stemming from a jewelry business venture, compelling her to sell off inherited properties in La Moraleja and Sotogrande. However, she has gradually emerged from these tumultuous experiences, which she candidly recounted in her 2013 self-help book ‘Why did it happen to me?’ (ed. Espasa), where she shares insights on overcoming the most dramatic and adversarial situations she encountered throughout her life.
**Interview with Mario Bonacho: Advocate for the Urquijo Family’s Right to Privacy**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mario. It’s been a significant moment for the Urquijo family in their long-standing battle for privacy following their parents’ tragic death. Can you share what motivated Myriam and Juan to take legal action now, after so many years?
**Mario Bonacho**: Thank you for having me. The motivation stemmed from a profound sense of hurt and indignity. For the past four decades, Myriam and Juan had been burdened not just by the loss of their parents but also by the relentless media scrutiny and public fascination with those tragic images. After the 2021 release of the ‘Caso Urquijo’ miniseries, the public interest escalated again, compelling them to seek a legal solution to reclaim their privacy.
**Editor**: The court recently ruled in their favor, which must have been a relief. Can you elaborate on the court’s decision and its implications?
**Mario Bonacho**: Absolutely. The ruling reinforced their right to privacy concerning sensitive images of their deceased parents. The court recognized that although the events surrounding the murder had public interest, that did not justify the ongoing exploitation of their tragic images. This verdict empowers the Urquijo family to have those images removed from various media platforms, allowing them to grieve without the constant reminder of their pain in the public eye.
**Editor**: It’s heartening to see justice prevail, but the compensation awarded was relatively modest at €5,000. What does this symbolize in the context of their legal fight?
**Mario Bonacho**: The small amount is indeed symbolic. The Urquijo family’s primary intent was never about monetary compensation but rather creating a barrier against further public exposure of their family tragedy. They wanted to send a clear message that some memories should remain private and that dignity should prevail over sensationalism.
**Editor**: Reflecting back on the legacy of Juan, who sadly passed away before seeing this ruling, how does his absence affect Myriam and the family’s healing process?
**Mario Bonacho**: Juan played a vital role in initiating this lawsuit, and his absence is undoubtedly felt deeply by Myriam. She has shown immense strength in continuing this fight in his memory, which speaks volumes about their bond and shared trauma. This ruling may help bring some level of closure to their struggles, and I hope it assists Myriam in moving forward with her life away from public scrutiny.
**Editor**: The family’s chalet has been described as the ‘cursed’ property. What challenges does the family face in dealing with its legacy, and do you see a path forward for them?
**Mario Bonacho**: The chalet is a tangible reminder of their pain, and selling it comes with unique challenges, especially due to its history. However, with legal hurdles now behind them regarding public imagery, the family can focus more on making decisions that best serve their emotional healing. Finding peace and stability in this next chapter is critical, regardless of the property’s fate.
**Editor**: Thank you, Mario, for sharing these insights. It’s been a complex journey for the Urquijo family, but with this ruling, they might finally begin to find some peace.
**Mario Bonacho**: Thank you for highlighting their story. I truly hope this marks the start of a new, healing chapter for Myriam and her family.