Panama court gives 48‑year sentences to two men for murder of Spanish tourist

A Panamanian court sentenced two men to a total of 48 years in prison for the murder and robbery of 30‑year‑old Spanish tourist Eneritz Argintxona Fraile. The defendants received 30 years for femicide and 18 years for aggravated robbery each. Fraile, a native of Erandio in Spain’s Basque Country, was killed while staying at a hostel on Carenero Island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago; her body was found on 26 July 2024.

Prosecutors presented more than 50 pieces of evidence—including testimonies, forensic reports and DNA analysis—to secure a unanimous conviction. The investigation had earlier captured a primary suspect known as “Leche” and later apprehended the second accused, leading to the trial that concluded on 28 June. The case attracted significant attention in both Panama and Spain, prompting close diplomatic monitoring of the proceedings.