Suspect says he used “Dexter” series to dismember friend in Spain

Agüera was 59 years old when she disappeared from Coín, in the province of Málaga, during the period of confinement caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The case remained unsolved for more than five years, until a human skull was found inside an inspection box in Alhaurín de la Torre.

Skull found in inspection box changed the course of the case

The skull was located in June 2025 by municipal workers who were carrying out services in an area close to the Pinos de Alhaurín urbanization. The remains were inside plastic bags.

Initially, an analysis indicated that the skull could belong to a woman, which made it difficult for the investigation to progress. In early 2026, genetic tests confirmed that the remains were those of Francisco José Agüera.

The identification began a new phase of Operation Capibara. The Guardia Civil began to examine the victim's circle of friends, relatives and acquaintances, in addition to using resources such as drones, georadar and trained dogs to locate human remains.

Suspect was known to the victim

The investigations focused on a friend of Agüera who lived near the place where the skull had been found.

When initially questioned, the man denied involvement and stated that the police would not be able to prove anything against him. According to the newspaper El País, he also mentioned having watched police series such as “CSI”.

As investigations progressed, agents gathered evidence against the suspect, who was arrested on July 28. He later confessed to having killed his friend inside the house, dismembering the body and distributing the remains throughout different parts of Alhaurín de la Torre.

Man claims to have been inspired by “Dexter”

In testimony, the suspect reported that he covered a room in the house with plastic before dismembering the body. He would also have protected the interior of the car with the same material to transport the bags without leaving biological traces.

The strategy, according to the confession attributed to him, was inspired by “Dexter”, a series in which the protagonist prepares environments with plastic sheets before committing murders and hiding the bodies.

The man allegedly claimed that he killed Agüera during a fight, after accusing him of robbery. This version will still be analyzed by the Spanish Court.

Police find new human remains

After the confession, the suspect accompanied investigators to some of the places where he said he had abandoned parts of his body. Human bone remains were recovered and sent for genetic testing.

The police are still trying to confirm whether all the material belongs to Agüera. Some of the points indicated have undergone changes or received new construction over the last six years, which may prevent the body from recovering completely.

Suspect arrested for murder

After giving a statement to the court, the man was placed in pre-trial detention, without the right to bail, on charges of murder.

The investigation is carried out by the Homicide Group of the Guardia Civil of Málaga and the judicial police team of Coín, under the responsibility of the Instruction Court No. 1 of Málaga.

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