Restaurant owner accused of killing burglar in Tenerife will not face jail
Prosecutors have ruled out prison sentences for two people accused of killing a robber during a break-in at a restaurant in south Tenerife, saying they acted in self-defence. The case relates to a violent incident in September 2024 in the coastal town of Alcalá, in Guía de Isora.
The public prosecutor is seeking the acquittal of the restaurant owner and a woman who were initially charged with homicide. According to the prosecution, both reacted under extreme fear when confronted by armed intruders inside their business.
The case is now being prepared for trial by jury, meaning nine members of the public will decide the verdict based on the evidence presented in court. However, a private prosecution representing the victim’s mother is continuing to pursue the case.
The incident happened shortly before midnight on 15th September 2024 at Restaurante Saúco, located along the seafront promenade near the Muelle Viejo area. Three men reportedly entered the premises to carry out a robbery, with one of them heading into the kitchen armed with a metal bar.
Moments later, the restaurant owner and a woman arrived. She initially tried to prevent a confrontation, but the owner entered the kitchen with a large knife to stop the intruder from escaping.
During the struggle, the woman was hit by the attacker as she attempted to intervene. The situation escalated when the robber appeared to threaten the owner with the metal bar, prompting the owner to launch a quick counterattack.
The attacker was stabbed several times during the altercation, and a physical struggle followed. The woman also attempted to assist the owner in restraining the intruder as the fight continued on the ground.
Emergency services, including the Guardia Civil and ambulance crews from the Canary Islands emergency service, arrived shortly afterwards. Despite efforts to resuscitate the man, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation was carried out by the judicial police unit of the Guardia Civil, which also worked to identify and locate the others involved in the robbery.
