On a seemingly desolate street in the northern reaches of Spain, a peculiar scene came to light. Images showed a man bent over the rear of a red Rover car, carefully placing a large white sack into the boot. This incident was captured by a passing Google Maps camera car in the hamlet of Tajueco in October. Two months later, these images, along with others snapped by the same camera car, have become crucial clues in the arrest of two individuals following the disappearance of a Cuban national last year.

Google Maps Uncovers Clues in a Spanish Disappearance

Investigation Begins

The case traces back to November 2023 when a Cuban national residing in Spain was reported missing by a relative. This man had been living in the northern Spanish municipality of Soria, hoping to find a woman he believed to be his partner. A relative grew suspicious after receiving a series of texts from the man's phone, indicating that he had met another woman, was leaving Spain, and would dispose of the phone. This led the relative to report the matter to the police.

The investigation quickly focused on the Cuban man's former partner and another man with whom she was romantically involved. Last month, the police made arrests, alleging their involvement in the death and disappearance of the Cuban national. Weeks later, a torso believed to be that of the missing man was discovered in the cemetery of a nearby hamlet.

Police have been tight-lipped about the details, stating only that the investigation is ongoing. However, they were quick to emphasize the role that Google Maps played in capturing the distressing images seemingly related to the murder. "One of the key clues used by investigators to solve the crime, although not conclusive, were the images detected during the investigation of a mapping application," said the police, adding that these images helped in "detecting a vehicle that may have been used in the course of the crime."

Neighbourhood Reactions

On Wednesday, El País interviewed neighbours of Tajueco, a small hamlet with a population of 56. Several residents said they had seen the images captured by Google Maps but had paid them little attention.

"We would never have thought he was involved in anything. We didn't give it a second thought," said one resident. Another noted, "We didn't realize that in that photo of the boot, there could be a body."

The mystery surrounding this case continues to unfold, with Google Maps playing an unexpected yet significant role in the investigation. As the police continue their work, more details may emerge, shedding light on this tragic event.