In 2013, the mysterious vanishing of a well-to-do, talented, and adored young girl from Galicia, Spain, unraveled a shocking secret that reverberated throughout the country and inspired various literary and visual works.
Asunta Basterra Porto, a 12-year-old adopted from China by Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra at nine months old, led a privileged life. Her mother, the daughter of a prominent lawyer, followed in his footsteps and attained the title of Honorary Consul of France.
Rosario and Alfonso, trailblazers in their community, adopted Asunta from China after struggling with infertility. Thriving in her new family, Asunta excelled academically, in music, ballet, and languages. Her disappearance on September 22 and subsequent discovery on a forest path near her mother’s rural residence in Teo raised suspicions.
Initial inquiries focused on retracing Asunta’s movements before her disappearance, revealing inconsistencies in Rosario’s statements. Surveillance footage contradicted her claim of being alone during a trip to her Teo home, showing Asunta in the car with her.
The parents, Alfonso and Rosario, came under scrutiny on September 24. Toxicology tests confirmed that Asunta had been regularly given lorazepam by her parents from July to September, leading to her demise. Evidence of Asunta appearing sedated in family photos and testimonials from her music teachers supported the findings.
Forensic analysis indicated that the drug rendered Asunta vulnerable to asphyxiation without resistance. The trial, featuring 84 witnesses, culminated in the parents’ conviction for premeditated murder, resulting in 18-year prison sentences despite an unclear motive.
While financial gain was initially considered, it was dismissed, leaving psychological factors at the forefront. Rosario’s suicide attempts post-trial hinted at control issues and emotional instability within the family. Her tragic death in 2020 contrasted with Alfonso’s continued incarceration.
The Asunta case captured nationwide attention, driving media coverage and inspiring documentaries and a Netflix series with local actors.