A crime that shook the community
The tranquility of the Madrid neighbourhood of Carabanchel was abruptly interrupted in February 2023, when the murder of Pilar Moreno, the president of the homeowners' association, left residents in shock. Marta C. H., the accused, has been sentenced to over 22 years in prison following a trial that revealed chilling details about the crime.
The events began when Marta, who was living in rented accommodation and facing financial difficulties due to overdue fees, decided to forge bank receipts to cover her debt to the community. In a desperate attempt to avoid legal consequences, she arranged a meeting with Pilar on 27 February, which would trigger a series of tragic events.
During that meeting, Marta committed the atrocious act that would cost her freedom. After murdering Pilar, she placed her body in a suitcase and disposed of it at a landfill in Las Ventas with Peña Aguilera. There, she not only burned the remains but also crushed several bones to eliminate any evidence of the crime.
The Supreme Court has upheld the sentence imposed by the Provincial Court and confirmed by the High Court of Justice of Madrid. The sentence includes 20 years for murder, in addition to four extra months for desecration and nearly two more years for document forgery. Furthermore, she has been ordered to compensate €70,000 to each of the three siblings of the victim.
Despite the defence lawyer's attempt to classify the death as accidental and question the documentary evidence presented during the trial, the judges have maintained that there is a logical and indisputable chain that supports the guilt of Marta C. H. This case has not only left a mark on the affected family members but has also sparked a debate about domestic violence and the necessary measures to prevent such crimes.





