A jury in Palma has found Sebastián M.G. guilty of homicide for having fatally stabbed a man who broke into his property in Inca with the intention of stealing marijuana in September 2020.
On the evening of September 24, 2020, four men in a black Seat León went to the property on Camí de Can Batle, which is on the outskirts of Inca. Three remained outside the property acting as lookouts while the fourth, Jaume Llabrés, entered through a hole in a metal fence on top of a 1.6-metre-high wall.
He attempted to steal some marijuana plants when he was surprised by Sebastián M.G., who was wielding a large knife. The two men struggled and Jaume Llabrés was stabbed several times. He died at the scene.
The jury took into account that fear of the intruder's presence had affected his judgment and, after two days of deliberation, concluded on Friday that it was not proven that the attack had been by surprise and from behind as Jaume Llabrés attempted to leave the property. This ruled out murder. Spanish law takes aggravating circumstances into account in distinguishing between homicide (less serious) and murder. The jury also rejected a plea of self-defence.
The Prosecutor's Office is now seeking a sentence of six years, having initially called for 15 years. The family of Jaume Llabrés are seeking a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, although they have announced they will appeal the jury's decision. They have also asked the judge to confiscate Sebastián M.G.'s passport due to the risk of flight.
The three men who remained outside the property have been found guilty of attempted robbery. The prosecution is seeking 18-month sentences for each of them.