'The Asunta Case' on Netflix: Asunta Basterra's trial may have 'named' the killers, but their motive remains a mystery
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix's upcoming criminal drama series. 'The Asunta Case' will shed light on the tragic Asunta Basterra murder case, which shocked Spain in 2013.
Developed by Ramón Campos, Jon de la Cuesta, and Gema R Neira, the show has garnered attention and become the talk of the town—particularly due to the involvement of Asunta's adoptive parents, Alfonso Basterra Camporro and Rosario Porto Ortega, in the heinous murder.
Asunta Basterra died from asphyxiation and overdose
Asunta, originally named Yong Fang, was adopted by Alfonso and Rosario when she was just a year old in 2002. Her life came to a tragic end when her body was discovered by two passers-by on a woodland path near her mother's house on September 21, 2013.
In addition to being administered at least twenty-seven Lorazepam tablets on the day of her death—more than nine times the recommended dose for an adult—Asunta was reportedly found to have died from asphyxiation.
Although the jury unanimously sentenced Alfonso and Rosario to an 18-year jail term after two and a half years of trial, nothing conclusive regarding the motive behind the murder case has been revealed.
Several hypotheses claim to be the cause of Asunta's murder, but no definitive conclusion has been reached as of yet.
Asunta Basterra's presence may have strained the parents' bond
According to El Confidencial, forensic psychiatrist José Cabrera stated that Asunta's presence was unnecessary for the married pair, which might have led to her murder.
Cabrera claimed that Asunta's murder case may be related to the fact that her presence may have broken a pattern for the Basterra Porto family, making her the key or basic factor in the disagreement.
It was revealed that Rosario and Alfonso, who married in October 1996 and divorced in 2013, were engaged in a legal battle for Asunta's custody seven months before her murder.
Rosario eventually gained custody of Asunta, although parental power was shared by both.
Was Asunta Basterra killed for her inheritance?
Asunta Basterra's tragic case took a dramatic turn as detectives investigated a possible financial motive. During the search, a 1975 document was allegedly discovered, naming Rosario as the sole beneficiary of their house rather than Asunta, raising many eyebrows.
The reason provided was that the cousin of Asunta's maternal grandfather assured him that he loved the girl very much and had decided to leave everything to him.
According to El Confidencial, authorities determined that the couple's financial predicament may have been a factor in the murder because they lived a luxurious lifestyle but had limited means to support it.
Reportedly, Asunta's grandparents died soon before her, and their deaths may be related to Astuna's case, which was being considered for investigation.
Did Rosario Porto Ortega's deteriorating mental health play a role in Asunta Basterra's tragic death?
According to reports, the investigation into Asunta Basterra's murder has failed to identify a clear motive.
Rosario Porto had a history of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and she was hospitalized in 2009.
Psychiatrists who treated her determined that she had a desire to die and posed a threat to herself, not to others.
Another doctor at the same center indicated in 'The Ana Rosa Programme' that Rosario showed evidence of neglecting her baby.
Rosario, who pleaded innocent and attempted suicide twice, was discovered dead in her cell in 2020, hanging from a fabric belt attached to the window, leaving behind an array of questions about the truth behind Astuna's murder.
Was sexual motive a factor in Asunta Basterra's tragic death?
According to El Confidencial, the inquiry into Asunta's death looked into a potential sexual motivation as traces of semen were discovered on Asunta's clothes, leading to a suspect who denied participation.
This evidence was eventually declared inconclusive due to contamination concerns.
Later, pornographic material featuring Asian women was found on Asunta's father's laptop, raising further concerns.
Authorities also discovered a photograph of Asunta in what they deemed an indecent stance. Despite these observations, no conclusive sexual motive was identified.
What are the key clues that shed light on Asunta Basterra's untimely death?
The cause of Asunta Basterra's murder is unknown, but detectives discovered substantial evidence against her parents, eventually leading to both parents being sentenced to 18 years in jail.
Reportedly, an orange rope similar to the one discovered in Rosario's cabin presented a bleak picture of drowsiness and asphyxia.
Additionally, Asunta's body had significant quantities of sedatives due to her parents' long-term sedation.
Toxicology results indicated a high level of Lorazepam, and experts confirmed chemical poisoning.
According to teacher testimony, Asunta had been experiencing unusual symptoms, and her mother gave her a 'white powder' to keep her sleeping.
It has been almost ten years since Asunta's tragic death, and although her parents have been sentenced to jail, the exact motive behind this heinous murder remains unknown.
'The Asunta Case' trailer