GUILTY Spain - Denise Thiem, 40, U.S. traveler, Astorga, 4 April 2015
- Thread starter Muy Curioso
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ZaZara
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A SIMPLE TURN OF A SIGN OF THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO WAS THE TRAP THAT CAUGHT DENISE
LeonNoticias
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend...o-El-Cepo-Para-Atrapar-A-Deni-vn184134-vst469
During the investigation, agents of the Specialist and Violent Crime Unit (UDEV) found that near the house of Miguel Ángel there was crossroads with a sign indicating the direction that the pilgrim had to follow towards the Cathedral of Santiago. This sign at the crossroads had been turned to make the pilgrims fall into the trap.
A deadly trap from which escaped several female pilgrims who reported being harassed on the Camino between the months of May and June but which Denise could not escape. Her tracks were lost last April 5.
A turn of a signal did alert the agents and in due course they arrived at the house of this man and ask him about the disappearance of Denise. They received a negative response with a facial expression of surprise. However, in June all eyes would once again focus on Miguel Ángel.
There was no doubt of his involvement in the case of Denise after the individual changed in a bank the same $ 1,000 that the US woman had withdrawn in her country. A lead that determined to put the focus on man.
However, there were still pieces to be fit into the puzzle and to be able to arrest him with total certainty. Hence the agents focussed their investigation on watching him day and night, waiting for this guy to commit any movement that would betray his involvement in the disappearance of Denise.
It was the pressure that made Miguel Angel flee Astorga on Wednesday, when a chase started that ended Friday in Asturias where the man had no other option than to confess being the perpetrator in the death of Denise.
BBM
Josie's story. Police was aware of it in 2014, false flecha included, and what happened?
He kills Denise and he continues. Women live to tell and report to the Police. Why didn't they send a decoy with a go-pro and catch him in June or May?
LeonNoticias
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend...o-El-Cepo-Para-Atrapar-A-Deni-vn184134-vst469
During the investigation, agents of the Specialist and Violent Crime Unit (UDEV) found that near the house of Miguel Ángel there was crossroads with a sign indicating the direction that the pilgrim had to follow towards the Cathedral of Santiago. This sign at the crossroads had been turned to make the pilgrims fall into the trap.
A deadly trap from which escaped several female pilgrims who reported being harassed on the Camino between the months of May and June but which Denise could not escape. Her tracks were lost last April 5.
A turn of a signal did alert the agents and in due course they arrived at the house of this man and ask him about the disappearance of Denise. They received a negative response with a facial expression of surprise. However, in June all eyes would once again focus on Miguel Ángel.
There was no doubt of his involvement in the case of Denise after the individual changed in a bank the same $ 1,000 that the US woman had withdrawn in her country. A lead that determined to put the focus on man.
However, there were still pieces to be fit into the puzzle and to be able to arrest him with total certainty. Hence the agents focussed their investigation on watching him day and night, waiting for this guy to commit any movement that would betray his involvement in the disappearance of Denise.
It was the pressure that made Miguel Angel flee Astorga on Wednesday, when a chase started that ended Friday in Asturias where the man had no other option than to confess being the perpetrator in the death of Denise.
BBM
Josie's story. Police was aware of it in 2014, false flecha included, and what happened?
He kills Denise and he continues. Women live to tell and report to the Police. Why didn't they send a decoy with a go-pro and catch him in June or May?
ZaZara
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PROVISINAL DETENTION WITHOUT BAIL
La Voz de Galicia
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/notici...htm?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
The Court of First Instance and Instruction 2 of Astorga (León) has ordered provisional prison without bail for Miguel Angel Munoz, 39, who was arrested for the death of the American pilgrim Denise Thiem. He is accused of a homicide, although the detainee, in his statement to the judge, has pleaded not guilty.
Moreover, in his statement at the police station in Astorga (León), Miguel Angel Munoz, has denied that it was him and assured that he found the body. Sources of the investigation have informed [Press Agency] Efe of the content of this statement. This statement contradicts with what he said when he was arrested last Friday afternoon in the Asturian town of Grandas de Salime, where he acknowledged that he had killed the woman by beating her and said that he would lead the agents to the place where he had hidden the corpse.
Police say that it is a common tactic that persons who are suspected of having committed serious crimes, at first confess their guilt because of the confusion that they experience when they are arrested, and later change their statement, as has happened in this case.
BBM
La Voz de Galicia
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/notici...htm?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
The Court of First Instance and Instruction 2 of Astorga (León) has ordered provisional prison without bail for Miguel Angel Munoz, 39, who was arrested for the death of the American pilgrim Denise Thiem. He is accused of a homicide, although the detainee, in his statement to the judge, has pleaded not guilty.
Moreover, in his statement at the police station in Astorga (León), Miguel Angel Munoz, has denied that it was him and assured that he found the body. Sources of the investigation have informed [Press Agency] Efe of the content of this statement. This statement contradicts with what he said when he was arrested last Friday afternoon in the Asturian town of Grandas de Salime, where he acknowledged that he had killed the woman by beating her and said that he would lead the agents to the place where he had hidden the corpse.
Police say that it is a common tactic that persons who are suspected of having committed serious crimes, at first confess their guilt because of the confusion that they experience when they are arrested, and later change their statement, as has happened in this case.
BBM
Lumberjill
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So...could the police not have used the equivalent of our search warrant to search his property months ago? He was such a person of interest, being watched (though he managed to leave anyway), known to have US$ whose serial numbers matched Denise's money... Why did it take SO long for the police to arrest him? Are these questions being asked by the Spanish media?
Not sure about police procedurals in Spain - for sure it is a different country, different language, etc.
The $1,000 Denise apparently was carrying would explain why she only withdrew small amounts from her bank account.
That information about the misleading arrow should have been broadcast widely to pelligrinos, perhaps a warning posted in the hostels. I think we have to look after each other and not just leave it all to the police.
The $1,000 Denise apparently was carrying would explain why she only withdrew small amounts from her bank account.
That information about the misleading arrow should have been broadcast widely to pelligrinos, perhaps a warning posted in the hostels. I think we have to look after each other and not just leave it all to the police.
ZaZara
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STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON ARREST IN CASE OF DENISE THIEM
http://www.mccain.senate.gov/public...68a&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Washington, D.C. * U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the arrest made in the case of Arizona resident Denise Thiem in Spain:
My thoughts and prayers are with the Thiem family at this terribly difficult time. I have been assured by the Prime Minister of Spain that their security services and courts will work tirelessly to uncover all the facts of this heinous crime and make certain that justice is served. I commend the cooperation and professionalism of the American and Spanish authorities, and hope that these developments begin to provide the answers that the Thiem family deserves about their beloved Denise.
:candle:
http://www.mccain.senate.gov/public...68a&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Washington, D.C. * U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the arrest made in the case of Arizona resident Denise Thiem in Spain:
My thoughts and prayers are with the Thiem family at this terribly difficult time. I have been assured by the Prime Minister of Spain that their security services and courts will work tirelessly to uncover all the facts of this heinous crime and make certain that justice is served. I commend the cooperation and professionalism of the American and Spanish authorities, and hope that these developments begin to provide the answers that the Thiem family deserves about their beloved Denise.
:candle:
ZaZara
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M.A.M.B. PAINTED FALSE YELLOW ARROWS TO DIVERT FEMALE PILGRIMS TOWARDS HIS HOME
He used the same kind of paint that is used for the signs on the Camino
Diario de León
http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias...echas-desviar-su-casa-peregrinas_1008120.html
The Camino de Santiago is every footpath that a pilgrim walks. With this alibi, the pilgrims have reopened in recent decades routes that once led people from very different starting points to the tomb of the apostle. And so have recovered the ancient Via de la Plata or Camino Mozárabe, the Vadiniense route, the Camino de San Salvador or del Norte, Sanabria, that of the Portuguese .... Hikers of very different nationalities pass through these routes and where people set foot, soon the small business start appearing, certain services become interested in catering to thousands. Other undertakings are more obscure, and those encouraged the man now arrested for the death of Denise P. Thiem, Miguel Ángel MB, to paint with spray the arrows that directed the female pilgrims towards his home.
Despite the multitude of itineraries, the French Way will always retain the title of Main Street of Europe, with good reason because from Jaca and Roncesvalles thousands of Christians from the old continent reached the end of the world in order to fulfill penitences and promises. Hence the zeal with which the friends of the Camino try to keep the original route, a task that was given a boost in recent days precisely in the town of Astorga.
Sources at the Town Hall yesterday highlighted the agreement between the local government committee of Arsenio Garcia [mayor of Astorga] and the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago in Astorga about signposting the "true track", taking into account that cheating and wiliness is aroused by the interests of those whose livelihood depends on the Pilgrims. The Welcome Office for the Pilgrim of the Cathedral of Santiago has counted 192.160 pilgrims from January 1 to August 31 this year. While not everyone agrees on the itinerary and there are those who travel it only partially, their number gives an idea of the commerce that they generate.
Even if the making of arrows by the suspect was sloppy, the yellow paint of the signalization that he used was enough to confuse travelers and direct them on a parallel track, located about 800 meters from the official one up to the house of the arrested man and both ending in Santa Catalina de Somoza, the next town after Castrillo along the track.
Astorga City Hall sources deny that the new signposting has to do with the case of the American woman of Asian origen. They note that while they did not begin before the police operation of last week, this was because the municipal works brigade as busy with the preparation and subsequent work involving the patronage festivities.
When the National Police and the Military Emergency Unit arrived on Thursday in Castrillo de los Polvazares, the works brigade and the association had planned to signal the village, a task that they had to stop given the presence of agents in one of the spots chosen to place a milestone. Precisely that milestone will be erected to prevent walkers from erring and choose the path that runs alongside the residence of Miguel Ángel M.B.
Astorga City Council is not opposed to shelters and other establishments from advertising, but "the Camino is the one that it is and someone diverts it to make it pass by their village." The City Council has sought the cooperation of the presidents of the local municipal boards to preserve the route and notes that every so often the state of the signalization will be inspected, both the informative posters and the arrows that will have to be painten with a mold commissioned for this purpose.
Signposting the end of Castrillo de los Polvazares is especially significant, since at this point several pilgrims lost the track and ended up on the mountains, so they had to retrace their steps.
BBM
As a pilgrim, you have to read this very well for the message that is almost hidden (in complicated Spanish):
- Locals will delflect the camino for their own interest.
- Among these interests there are also 'more obscure undertakings'
- The man now arrested had a more obscure goal
- He is not the only one
He used the same kind of paint that is used for the signs on the Camino
Diario de León
http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias...echas-desviar-su-casa-peregrinas_1008120.html
The Camino de Santiago is every footpath that a pilgrim walks. With this alibi, the pilgrims have reopened in recent decades routes that once led people from very different starting points to the tomb of the apostle. And so have recovered the ancient Via de la Plata or Camino Mozárabe, the Vadiniense route, the Camino de San Salvador or del Norte, Sanabria, that of the Portuguese .... Hikers of very different nationalities pass through these routes and where people set foot, soon the small business start appearing, certain services become interested in catering to thousands. Other undertakings are more obscure, and those encouraged the man now arrested for the death of Denise P. Thiem, Miguel Ángel MB, to paint with spray the arrows that directed the female pilgrims towards his home.
Despite the multitude of itineraries, the French Way will always retain the title of Main Street of Europe, with good reason because from Jaca and Roncesvalles thousands of Christians from the old continent reached the end of the world in order to fulfill penitences and promises. Hence the zeal with which the friends of the Camino try to keep the original route, a task that was given a boost in recent days precisely in the town of Astorga.
Sources at the Town Hall yesterday highlighted the agreement between the local government committee of Arsenio Garcia [mayor of Astorga] and the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago in Astorga about signposting the "true track", taking into account that cheating and wiliness is aroused by the interests of those whose livelihood depends on the Pilgrims. The Welcome Office for the Pilgrim of the Cathedral of Santiago has counted 192.160 pilgrims from January 1 to August 31 this year. While not everyone agrees on the itinerary and there are those who travel it only partially, their number gives an idea of the commerce that they generate.
Even if the making of arrows by the suspect was sloppy, the yellow paint of the signalization that he used was enough to confuse travelers and direct them on a parallel track, located about 800 meters from the official one up to the house of the arrested man and both ending in Santa Catalina de Somoza, the next town after Castrillo along the track.
Astorga City Hall sources deny that the new signposting has to do with the case of the American woman of Asian origen. They note that while they did not begin before the police operation of last week, this was because the municipal works brigade as busy with the preparation and subsequent work involving the patronage festivities.
When the National Police and the Military Emergency Unit arrived on Thursday in Castrillo de los Polvazares, the works brigade and the association had planned to signal the village, a task that they had to stop given the presence of agents in one of the spots chosen to place a milestone. Precisely that milestone will be erected to prevent walkers from erring and choose the path that runs alongside the residence of Miguel Ángel M.B.
Astorga City Council is not opposed to shelters and other establishments from advertising, but "the Camino is the one that it is and someone diverts it to make it pass by their village." The City Council has sought the cooperation of the presidents of the local municipal boards to preserve the route and notes that every so often the state of the signalization will be inspected, both the informative posters and the arrows that will have to be painten with a mold commissioned for this purpose.
Signposting the end of Castrillo de los Polvazares is especially significant, since at this point several pilgrims lost the track and ended up on the mountains, so they had to retrace their steps.
BBM
As a pilgrim, you have to read this very well for the message that is almost hidden (in complicated Spanish):
- Locals will delflect the camino for their own interest.
- Among these interests there are also 'more obscure undertakings'
- The man now arrested had a more obscure goal
- He is not the only one
ZaZara
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MIGUEL ÁNGEL CONFESSES TO THE CRIME OF DENISE THIEM IN A SECOND STATEMENT
La Nueva Crónica.com
http://www.lanuevacronica.com/migue...en-de-denise-thiem-en-una-segunda-declaracion
More than ten hours the alleged murderer of the American pilgrim Denise Thiem remained in the Court of First Instance and Instruction No. 2 of Astorga, where he was transferred this morning to testify. A hearing after which custody without bail was issued for the arrested, who is accused of a murder. However, matters started to change when Miguel Ángel M.B. decided to offer a new of testimony before the judge, a fact that delayed his transfer to prison.
Although the decision of the court came at two o'clock in the afternoon, the detainee did not leave the premises until after than 22 hours, as there were also done various testings that extended his stay in court. Miguel Angel M. B. pleaded not guilty during his appearance before the judge this morning after last Friday after being arrested in Asturias, he acknowledged the facts and after being transferred to Astorga led police to the body hidden on a farm he owns, in an area between the towns of San Martin del Agostedo and Santa Catalina de Somoza (León).
It was in an appearance before the judge after the one this afternoon when Miguel Angel confessed for a second time that he had been responsible for the death of Denise Thiem, according to sources close to the case. After nearly twelve hours in court, where in addition to the statements other tests were done, around 10:30 am he has been transferred to the prison of Mansilla de las Mulas.
BBM
La Nueva Crónica.com
http://www.lanuevacronica.com/migue...en-de-denise-thiem-en-una-segunda-declaracion
More than ten hours the alleged murderer of the American pilgrim Denise Thiem remained in the Court of First Instance and Instruction No. 2 of Astorga, where he was transferred this morning to testify. A hearing after which custody without bail was issued for the arrested, who is accused of a murder. However, matters started to change when Miguel Ángel M.B. decided to offer a new of testimony before the judge, a fact that delayed his transfer to prison.
Although the decision of the court came at two o'clock in the afternoon, the detainee did not leave the premises until after than 22 hours, as there were also done various testings that extended his stay in court. Miguel Angel M. B. pleaded not guilty during his appearance before the judge this morning after last Friday after being arrested in Asturias, he acknowledged the facts and after being transferred to Astorga led police to the body hidden on a farm he owns, in an area between the towns of San Martin del Agostedo and Santa Catalina de Somoza (León).
It was in an appearance before the judge after the one this afternoon when Miguel Angel confessed for a second time that he had been responsible for the death of Denise Thiem, according to sources close to the case. After nearly twelve hours in court, where in addition to the statements other tests were done, around 10:30 am he has been transferred to the prison of Mansilla de las Mulas.
BBM
ZaZara
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JUDGE TO MAKE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE DAY OF THE CRIME IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ACCUSED
LeónNoticias
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend...Crimen-De-Denise-Junto-Al-Ase-vn184221-vst469
Miguel Angel Muñoz, the confessed perpetrator in the death of the pilgrim Denise Pikka Thiem, has been moved back to the Court of Astorga early Tuesday.
The detainee, again guarded by agents of the National Police, will then be moved to the area where the remains appeared and his own house.
According to investigative sources, the objective is to make a reconstruction of the encounter between the man who has already confessed to the crime and the victim as well as the activities after the death of the pilgrim up to the spot where her body was located.
Moreover the man indicted for the crime has changed legal representation, ending the one with the public defender's and transferring his case to a new representative, this time with agreement of his family. The new representation will now be taken up by Vicente Prieto, a lawyer from Madrid.
The author of the death of American pilgrim reaffirmed his guilt in a new statement issued late Monday.
After the report of legal responsibility completed by the medical examiner and in her presence, he changed voluntarily his plea and admitted having killed the pilgrim. Later, he requested to make a new statement in front of the judge in which he repeated his guilt, according to the High Court of Justice of Castile and Leon (TSCyL) last night.
DNA tests still have to be completed.
BBM
Apparently, DNA still has to be compared with that of the family. However, the remains of Denise have been officially identified without this.
LeónNoticias
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend...Crimen-De-Denise-Junto-Al-Ase-vn184221-vst469
Miguel Angel Muñoz, the confessed perpetrator in the death of the pilgrim Denise Pikka Thiem, has been moved back to the Court of Astorga early Tuesday.
The detainee, again guarded by agents of the National Police, will then be moved to the area where the remains appeared and his own house.
According to investigative sources, the objective is to make a reconstruction of the encounter between the man who has already confessed to the crime and the victim as well as the activities after the death of the pilgrim up to the spot where her body was located.
Moreover the man indicted for the crime has changed legal representation, ending the one with the public defender's and transferring his case to a new representative, this time with agreement of his family. The new representation will now be taken up by Vicente Prieto, a lawyer from Madrid.
The author of the death of American pilgrim reaffirmed his guilt in a new statement issued late Monday.
After the report of legal responsibility completed by the medical examiner and in her presence, he changed voluntarily his plea and admitted having killed the pilgrim. Later, he requested to make a new statement in front of the judge in which he repeated his guilt, according to the High Court of Justice of Castile and Leon (TSCyL) last night.
DNA tests still have to be completed.
BBM
Apparently, DNA still has to be compared with that of the family. However, the remains of Denise have been officially identified without this.
ZaZara
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SUSPICION OF 'SEXUAL MOTIVE' IS GAINING STRENGTH
LeónNoticias
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend/leonoticias/Cobra-Fuerza-El-Movil-Sexual-vn184197-vst469
The motive of the murder of Denise P. Thiem still remains unknown. However, the suspicion of one of a sexual nature grows stronger as new facts emerge in the case. The investigators believe that Miguel Ángel used the Camino to spot women who were traveling alone with the intent to assault them sexually.
This hypothesis reinforces the testimony of several female pilgrims of various nationalities who denounced that they had been harassed on the Camino during the months of May and June.
Moreover, investigators are now trying to find out if the accused for the murder of Denise is also "a certain Miguel" who attacked Dutch and American peregrinas. To these attacks are added at least three complaints of sexual character in Leon and Asturias that were attributed to the accused who seemed to have found in the Camino de Santiago the perfect place to spot his victims.
BBM
LeónNoticias
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend/leonoticias/Cobra-Fuerza-El-Movil-Sexual-vn184197-vst469
The motive of the murder of Denise P. Thiem still remains unknown. However, the suspicion of one of a sexual nature grows stronger as new facts emerge in the case. The investigators believe that Miguel Ángel used the Camino to spot women who were traveling alone with the intent to assault them sexually.
This hypothesis reinforces the testimony of several female pilgrims of various nationalities who denounced that they had been harassed on the Camino during the months of May and June.
Moreover, investigators are now trying to find out if the accused for the murder of Denise is also "a certain Miguel" who attacked Dutch and American peregrinas. To these attacks are added at least three complaints of sexual character in Leon and Asturias that were attributed to the accused who seemed to have found in the Camino de Santiago the perfect place to spot his victims.
BBM
ZaZara
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'HAVING SAID ALL THAT, THE CASE OF DENISE HAS DONE TERRIBLE DAMAGE TO GALICIA'
La Voz de Galicia, editorial
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/galicia/2015/09/14/herida-tarda-curar/0003_201509G14P6993.htm
The arrest of the (alleged) murderer of Denise Thiem has a relevance for Galicia and her leading world-famous brand, the Camino that surpasses the mere joy that every well-meaning human should feel for the capture of a character of such evel ilk.
Of course the most important issue of all is that there is no one who can make Denise Thiem return to life. And of course also that Miguel Angel Muñoz, that is the name of the citizen who is now sleeping for free at a location appropriate to his position and condition, has the right to a fair trial.
But having said all that, the case of Denise Thiem has done terrible damage to Galicia.
Indeed, it happened in the province of Leon, where five days ago a female pilgrim from Norway was left with nothing but the clothes she was wearing after a robbery, but the obvious identification of the Camino with Santiago turns all eyes in the direction of Galicia: the offer that the FBI should intervene, the recent statements by the South Korean ambassador who worries about the safety of his countrymen and women, no less than 300 agents - helicopter included- of the Spanish Police shielding the pilgrimage route in Leon and nerves of the pilgrims who are crossing the province are the ingredients for a stab wound that will take to heal. May we turn this page soon.
BBM
It was León who did it, ma'am, not me .....
But seriously. How dare they? Denise has not even been buried, she wasn't even formally identified when this was written and they dare to publish such an editorial? Worried about their reputation? Hoping things will pass?
It beggars belief, but unfortunately, this attitude is very common among those who aim to protect the interests of the Camino (SAFE! SAFE! SAFE!) at all cost.
Recommended reading:
THE DARK SIDE OF THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/sh...in-Spain-4-April-2015&p=11978319#post11978319
La Voz de Galicia, editorial
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/galicia/2015/09/14/herida-tarda-curar/0003_201509G14P6993.htm
The arrest of the (alleged) murderer of Denise Thiem has a relevance for Galicia and her leading world-famous brand, the Camino that surpasses the mere joy that every well-meaning human should feel for the capture of a character of such evel ilk.
Of course the most important issue of all is that there is no one who can make Denise Thiem return to life. And of course also that Miguel Angel Muñoz, that is the name of the citizen who is now sleeping for free at a location appropriate to his position and condition, has the right to a fair trial.
But having said all that, the case of Denise Thiem has done terrible damage to Galicia.
Indeed, it happened in the province of Leon, where five days ago a female pilgrim from Norway was left with nothing but the clothes she was wearing after a robbery, but the obvious identification of the Camino with Santiago turns all eyes in the direction of Galicia: the offer that the FBI should intervene, the recent statements by the South Korean ambassador who worries about the safety of his countrymen and women, no less than 300 agents - helicopter included- of the Spanish Police shielding the pilgrimage route in Leon and nerves of the pilgrims who are crossing the province are the ingredients for a stab wound that will take to heal. May we turn this page soon.
BBM
It was León who did it, ma'am, not me .....
But seriously. How dare they? Denise has not even been buried, she wasn't even formally identified when this was written and they dare to publish such an editorial? Worried about their reputation? Hoping things will pass?
It beggars belief, but unfortunately, this attitude is very common among those who aim to protect the interests of the Camino (SAFE! SAFE! SAFE!) at all cost.
Recommended reading:
THE DARK SIDE OF THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/sh...in-Spain-4-April-2015&p=11978319#post11978319
ZaZara
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PROFESSIONAL JEALOUSY DELAYED THE DISCOVERY OF DENISE'S REMAINS FROM APRIL 27 TO SEPTEMBER 11
Policemen of the Guardia Civíl denounce that the commissioner of Astorga forced them to retreat when they were scouting with dogs the farm where the body of Denise was hidden.
Diario de León
http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias...perros-finca-donde-estaba-oculto_1008447.html
The AUGC denounces in a statement that on April 27, 22 days after the disappearance, the investigations led the agents to conclude "that the maximal suspect of the events was the man who is now detained" but professional jealousy delayed his detention
The Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) has reported today that "lack of coordination" and "jealousy" between the Guardia Civil and the National Police delayed the discovery of the body of American pilgrim Pikka Denise Thiem.
The body of the woman, who disappeared last April 5 in Astorga, was found on Friday, September 11 following the arrest of her alleged murderer, Migual Ángel MB, who yesterday, after an initial statement in which he said that he was innocent, rendered a new testimony and admitted his guilt.
The investigation was led by the National Police, since the disappearance occurred in Astorga, while the Guardia Civíl have collaborated on traces of rural areas.
AUGC has exposed in a statement that on the April 27, 22 days after the disappearance, the investigations of the agents of the Guardia Civíl agents led to the conclusion "that the person most suspected of the facts was the man now arrested." But, according to the association, when the dog expert group of the Civil Guardia Civíl, specialized in search and rescue specialist, traced with their dogs near the farm where the remains of the woman were ulitmately found, the Police Commissioner of Astorga asked the dog leader the reason for his presence there and reminded him that it was a demarcation of the National Police and not of the Guardia Civíl
After an exchange of words, the policemen had to withdraw from the area "to avoid further conflict," and the next day they changed the search area, moving away to twenty kilometers from Astorga because they had to limit themselves to a areas with jurisdiction of the Guardia Civíl
BBM
So.... what could have been solved by a small team of local cops with a few dogs and on the basis of information already available since 2014 .... took the Spanish authorities another 138 days, lengthy undercover operations, around-the-clock-observations, several attacks on other female pilgrims, an intervention from US senator John McCain, 200 interviews with pilgrims from over 20 nationalities, 300 specialized agents, soldiers and a helicopter.
They also kept a list of 30 suspects, men who habitually rob female pilgrims on the Camino.... will any action be taken against them, one wonders?
:stormingmad:
Policemen of the Guardia Civíl denounce that the commissioner of Astorga forced them to retreat when they were scouting with dogs the farm where the body of Denise was hidden.
Diario de León
http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias...perros-finca-donde-estaba-oculto_1008447.html
The AUGC denounces in a statement that on April 27, 22 days after the disappearance, the investigations led the agents to conclude "that the maximal suspect of the events was the man who is now detained" but professional jealousy delayed his detention
The Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) has reported today that "lack of coordination" and "jealousy" between the Guardia Civil and the National Police delayed the discovery of the body of American pilgrim Pikka Denise Thiem.
The body of the woman, who disappeared last April 5 in Astorga, was found on Friday, September 11 following the arrest of her alleged murderer, Migual Ángel MB, who yesterday, after an initial statement in which he said that he was innocent, rendered a new testimony and admitted his guilt.
The investigation was led by the National Police, since the disappearance occurred in Astorga, while the Guardia Civíl have collaborated on traces of rural areas.
AUGC has exposed in a statement that on the April 27, 22 days after the disappearance, the investigations of the agents of the Guardia Civíl agents led to the conclusion "that the person most suspected of the facts was the man now arrested." But, according to the association, when the dog expert group of the Civil Guardia Civíl, specialized in search and rescue specialist, traced with their dogs near the farm where the remains of the woman were ulitmately found, the Police Commissioner of Astorga asked the dog leader the reason for his presence there and reminded him that it was a demarcation of the National Police and not of the Guardia Civíl
After an exchange of words, the policemen had to withdraw from the area "to avoid further conflict," and the next day they changed the search area, moving away to twenty kilometers from Astorga because they had to limit themselves to a areas with jurisdiction of the Guardia Civíl
BBM
So.... what could have been solved by a small team of local cops with a few dogs and on the basis of information already available since 2014 .... took the Spanish authorities another 138 days, lengthy undercover operations, around-the-clock-observations, several attacks on other female pilgrims, an intervention from US senator John McCain, 200 interviews with pilgrims from over 20 nationalities, 300 specialized agents, soldiers and a helicopter.
They also kept a list of 30 suspects, men who habitually rob female pilgrims on the Camino.... will any action be taken against them, one wonders?
:stormingmad:
ZaZara
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Hi Lumberjill,
in Spain it is forbidden by law to criticze the Police.
The Rajoy Administration has introduced gag laws that curb freedom of speech in this respect.
The fines are high.
It is reminiscent of the times of Franco, dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975.
For instance, if I remember well, a man was fined 32.000 for mentioning on FB that the Police after they evicted him from his apartment, also evicted his mother from her home even though she had nothing to do with it at all.
Also it is forbidden to call for help if an eviction is imminent and you want to prevent it.
When it comes to the Police, IMHO you have to read certain publications the same way as during the Franco age when the press was censored. This affects the way things are written, with an eye to evading repercussions. For instance, I recently read a report that described the arrest of Miguel Ángel on Friday as "somewhat of a media spectacle".
Well, you bet it was! and even more than that.
Now that the Union of the Guardia Civíl has published this report, one wonders if the Police are leagally allowed to criticize one another publicly
and hopefully this will open the way for a discussion that should be normal in a democracy.
ZaZara
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"I HIT HER WITH A STICK, WHEN SHE FELL SHE HIT A STONE AND DIED"
LeónNoticias
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend...-Se-Golpeo-Con-Una-Piedra-Y-F-vn184268-vst469
Miguel Angel Muñoz confesses that after accompanying Denise on a stretch of road, he hit her although it was a stone on which she fell that caused her death. Later he undressed her for burial in the grounds where on Friday were found some human remains. It has already been confirmed that they were of the Pilgrim. Sexual assault is discarded although the sexual motive is gaining strength.
Denise Thiem Pikka suffered a violent death. There is no doubt whatsoever. All the more after the statement of Miguel Angel Muñoz Blas who after ten hours of interrogation succumbed to pressure and confessed that last April 6 (*)) he killed the American pilgrim.
He did that after accompanying her on a stretch of the Camino. Later, and still according to his version, he took a stick with which he beat Denise who fell to the ground, hitting her head on a stone. "Falling, she knocked herself hard on a rock and died," he said, as reported by El Mundo.
Later, Miguel Angel stripped the victim but, according to the investigation, there is no outset of sexual assault even though the motive of a sexual nature is gaining strength as the additional investigation progresses.
Once she was undressed, the accused buried the woman of 41 years in one of the terrains on his farm, the same farm where late on Friday, police agents located human remains that an autopsy has confirmed correspond to Denise Pikka.
Sources from the investigation do not yet venture to make a hypothesis although there is no doubt that Denise died a violent death. This Tuesday during the day, agents have returned to conduct a search of the home of the accused who also participated in the reconstruction of events.
New proceedings, at the gates of which Miguel Angelo, the solitary man from Valdemanzanas, will go to jail after the judge decreed detention wihout bail given the risk of flight and possible destruction of evidence.
BBM
(*) Denise was last seen on April 5 in Astorga, so I assume this is a typo. If it is not, one wonders why she was in the vicinity of his farm on April 6.
LeónNoticias
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend...-Se-Golpeo-Con-Una-Piedra-Y-F-vn184268-vst469
Miguel Angel Muñoz confesses that after accompanying Denise on a stretch of road, he hit her although it was a stone on which she fell that caused her death. Later he undressed her for burial in the grounds where on Friday were found some human remains. It has already been confirmed that they were of the Pilgrim. Sexual assault is discarded although the sexual motive is gaining strength.
Denise Thiem Pikka suffered a violent death. There is no doubt whatsoever. All the more after the statement of Miguel Angel Muñoz Blas who after ten hours of interrogation succumbed to pressure and confessed that last April 6 (*)) he killed the American pilgrim.
He did that after accompanying her on a stretch of the Camino. Later, and still according to his version, he took a stick with which he beat Denise who fell to the ground, hitting her head on a stone. "Falling, she knocked herself hard on a rock and died," he said, as reported by El Mundo.
Later, Miguel Angel stripped the victim but, according to the investigation, there is no outset of sexual assault even though the motive of a sexual nature is gaining strength as the additional investigation progresses.
Once she was undressed, the accused buried the woman of 41 years in one of the terrains on his farm, the same farm where late on Friday, police agents located human remains that an autopsy has confirmed correspond to Denise Pikka.
Sources from the investigation do not yet venture to make a hypothesis although there is no doubt that Denise died a violent death. This Tuesday during the day, agents have returned to conduct a search of the home of the accused who also participated in the reconstruction of events.
New proceedings, at the gates of which Miguel Angelo, the solitary man from Valdemanzanas, will go to jail after the judge decreed detention wihout bail given the risk of flight and possible destruction of evidence.
BBM
(*) Denise was last seen on April 5 in Astorga, so I assume this is a typo. If it is not, one wonders why she was in the vicinity of his farm on April 6.
ZaZara
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DENISE THIEM'S FAMILY AWAITS ANSWERS AFTER BODY FOUND
AZCentral
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news...ino-de-santiago-denise-thiem-family/72269246/
Three days after Spanish police arrested a man suspected in the disappearance of Litchfield Park resident Denise Thiem, her relatives are still awaiting official identification of a body discovered on the man's property.
Over the weekend, numerous outlets concluded the body belonged to Thiem, many basing their reports off a Twitter post on Saturday from Ignacio Cosido, director general of the Spanish National Police. In it, he tweeted in Spanish: "After months of intense research, our agents have located the body of Denise and arrested the alleged perpetrator. Great job."
However, Thiem's family said they are still awaiting results of DNA analysis to identify the body. They had not seen the post from Cosido or known he would be tweeting something so conclusive.
"We have not been told yet by the National Police that it is definitively Denise's body," Desiree Yao, Thiem's cousin, said in a text message Saturday from Hong Kong. Cedric Thiem, Denise's brother, confirmed Monday the family was still awaiting official word.
BBM
AZCentral
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news...ino-de-santiago-denise-thiem-family/72269246/
Three days after Spanish police arrested a man suspected in the disappearance of Litchfield Park resident Denise Thiem, her relatives are still awaiting official identification of a body discovered on the man's property.
Over the weekend, numerous outlets concluded the body belonged to Thiem, many basing their reports off a Twitter post on Saturday from Ignacio Cosido, director general of the Spanish National Police. In it, he tweeted in Spanish: "After months of intense research, our agents have located the body of Denise and arrested the alleged perpetrator. Great job."
However, Thiem's family said they are still awaiting results of DNA analysis to identify the body. They had not seen the post from Cosido or known he would be tweeting something so conclusive.
"We have not been told yet by the National Police that it is definitively Denise's body," Desiree Yao, Thiem's cousin, said in a text message Saturday from Hong Kong. Cedric Thiem, Denise's brother, confirmed Monday the family was still awaiting official word.
BBM
ZaZara
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THE FUNNY MURDERER HIDDEN ON THE CAMINO
LeónNoticias with short video
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend...o-Asesino-Oculto-En-El-Camino-vn184297-vst469
Connected and hiding at the same time. The Camino de Santiago was the venue chosen by Miguel Angel Munoz to end the life of the pilgrim Denise Pikka Thiem and then to escape the national police who followed his steps.
The "lonely and strange" local of Valdemanzanas felt he was being observed and feared they would discover he was behind the disappearance of the American woman. Therefore, he took a bus in Astorga to Oviedo where, paradoxically, he joined a group of pilgrims.
There he undertook the so-called Camino de la Costa or del Norte (*) up to Grandas de Salime where he was arrested on a terrace of a cafe while eating sandwiches and having a drink together with other pilgrims.
They were the same pilgrims with whom he shared various moments of the Camino. These moments were were captured by some of them and they show a funny Miguel Angel and fully integrated with the rest of his companions.
Moreover, not one single suspicion, they only noticed that he had no mobile. Nothing in his behavior lead anyone to suspect that behind that image one of the most wanted men in recent months in Spain was hiding.
This you can see in a video released by GradoTV in which Miguel Angel is gesturing 'all ok' near the end of the recording. He is wearing the same dark blue jacket that he was seen wearing when he arrived at the courts. He is sitting right behind a young pilgrim.
A video that shows how hard it was to imagine that behind this young man the murderer of Denise Pikka could be found.
(this is a screenshot, taken from the website of the report)
BBM
(*) This trail Oviedo - Grandas de Salime - Santiago de Compostela is usually called the Camino Primitivo.
LeónNoticias with short video
http://www.leonoticias.com/frontend...o-Asesino-Oculto-En-El-Camino-vn184297-vst469
Connected and hiding at the same time. The Camino de Santiago was the venue chosen by Miguel Angel Munoz to end the life of the pilgrim Denise Pikka Thiem and then to escape the national police who followed his steps.
The "lonely and strange" local of Valdemanzanas felt he was being observed and feared they would discover he was behind the disappearance of the American woman. Therefore, he took a bus in Astorga to Oviedo where, paradoxically, he joined a group of pilgrims.
There he undertook the so-called Camino de la Costa or del Norte (*) up to Grandas de Salime where he was arrested on a terrace of a cafe while eating sandwiches and having a drink together with other pilgrims.
They were the same pilgrims with whom he shared various moments of the Camino. These moments were were captured by some of them and they show a funny Miguel Angel and fully integrated with the rest of his companions.
Moreover, not one single suspicion, they only noticed that he had no mobile. Nothing in his behavior lead anyone to suspect that behind that image one of the most wanted men in recent months in Spain was hiding.
This you can see in a video released by GradoTV in which Miguel Angel is gesturing 'all ok' near the end of the recording. He is wearing the same dark blue jacket that he was seen wearing when he arrived at the courts. He is sitting right behind a young pilgrim.
A video that shows how hard it was to imagine that behind this young man the murderer of Denise Pikka could be found.
(this is a screenshot, taken from the website of the report)
BBM
(*) This trail Oviedo - Grandas de Salime - Santiago de Compostela is usually called the Camino Primitivo.
ZaZara
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THE HUNT FOR THE CAMINO KILLER
Despite the huge deployment, the suspect was only located when he tried to take out money from an ATM
El Pais in English
http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/09/15/inenglish/1442308355_260454.html
If you want to find the guilty party, go to the prefabricated house up on the hill. That lunatic brought trouble to this village where nothing had ever happened before. They let him go, and now they go looking for him five months later.
That was how a retiree sitting on a stone bench under a tree greeted journalists on Thursday as they showed up in Castrillo de los Polvazares, a hamlet in Spains northern León province, to follow the massive and sudden search operation for Denise Pikka Thiem, a US tourist who went missing on April 5 as she was walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route by herself.
BBM
Despite the huge deployment, the suspect was only located when he tried to take out money from an ATM
El Pais in English
http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/09/15/inenglish/1442308355_260454.html
If you want to find the guilty party, go to the prefabricated house up on the hill. That lunatic brought trouble to this village where nothing had ever happened before. They let him go, and now they go looking for him five months later.
That was how a retiree sitting on a stone bench under a tree greeted journalists on Thursday as they showed up in Castrillo de los Polvazares, a hamlet in Spains northern León province, to follow the massive and sudden search operation for Denise Pikka Thiem, a US tourist who went missing on April 5 as she was walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route by herself.
BBM
ZaZara
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The family of Thiem, who lived in Phoenix, Arizona, will arrive in Spain on Tuesday and attend a funeral mass for the victim in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of those walking the pilgrimage route.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ed-straight-suspect-s-farm.html#ixzz3ltLphTTF
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ed-straight-suspect-s-farm.html#ixzz3ltLphTTF