'The Asunta Case': Inside Asunta Basterra's parents' strained relationship after murder trial that captivated the world
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MADRID, SPAIN: 'The Asunta Case' is the latest Netflix series that delves into the tragic murder of Asunta Yong Fang Basterra Porto, a Chinese-born Spanish girl.
The Netflix series, featuring Tristán Ulloa, Javier Gutiérrez, Candela Peña, Raúl Arévalo, María León, Alicia Borrachero, Francesc Orella, and Carlos Blanco, explores the shocking murder mystery that gripped Spain in 2013.
The series revolves around the murder of Asunta and explores the trial proceedings that wreaked havoc in her parents' lives.
Who was Asunta Yong Fang Basterra Porto?
Asunta, originally from China, was adopted and brought up in Spain by Rosario Porto Ortega and Alfonso Basterra Camporro.
They successfully convinced the authorities to allow them to adopt Asunta by demonstrating their suitability as parents and the stability of their home environment, as reported by The Guardian.
Asunta was known to be a very bright student and excelled in her studies. She would often engage in playful activities, displaying a joyful demeanor that brought light to those around her.
However, on September 22, 2013, just before her 13th birthday, Asunta was discovered dead in Teo, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain.
The autopsy revealed that Asunta had been suffocated and had ingested more than 27 Lorazepam pills on the day of her death. This dosage far exceeded the maximum recommended for an adult, indicating a deliberate and potentially lethal overdose.
What happened to Rosario Porto Ortega and Alfonso Basterra Camporro?
On September 21, 2013, Rosario and Alfonso went to the main Santiago police station at 10:17 pm to file a missing person report for their daughter, Asunta, as reported by The Guardian.
The authorities discovered Asunta's lifeless body on September 22, 2013, in their family home in Teo, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain.
Rosario had already raised suspicion due to her behavior and conflicting statements following Asunta's disappearance. Investigators found her actions and statements inconsistent and suspicious, leading them to focus their attention on her involvement in the murder case.
The judge investigating the case maintained that Alfonso was present when Asunta was administered a fatal dose of the powerful sedative lorazepam, as reported by El País.
Toxicology reports confirmed that Asunta had been consuming sedatives over an extended period leading up to her death. Eyewitness accounts provided further details, indicating that Asunta had frequently shown signs of drowsiness. These revelations suggested a pattern of sedative use in Asunta's life, raising doubts on her parents.
Rosario used lorazepam, a potent sedative, to treat her anxiety. Alfonso, Asunta's father, purchased an unusually large quantity of lorazepam—approximately 175 packages—over a period of just 10 weeks.
The investigation into Asunta's death revealed a concerning pattern regarding the use of lorazepam in the Basterra Porto household.
On October 30, 2015, Alfonso and Rosario were convicted of the murder of their daughter. Despite claiming their innocence, both parents were sentenced to 18 years in prison.
According to The Guardian, Alfonso and his wife were placed in adjacent police cells, separated by a thin partition that allowed them to converse. Their conversations were recorded secretly on video, but despite hours of footage, there was no evidence of guilt or incriminating statements.
The jury believed the testimony of a 15-year-old acquaintance of Asunta, who claimed to have seen her with Alfonso on the day of the crime, despite his claim to have been home alone.
Before Asunta's death, on January 5, 2013, Alfonso discovered his wife's infidelity when he checked her emails. They argued and separated on January 8, 2013, initially leading to unpleasant scenes. Rosario felt harassed as Alfonso sent her constant messages with reproaches and accusations. By February 14, 2013, Alfonso and Rosario had agreed to divorce.
When Asunta died, Alfonso and Rosario maintained their innocence. Despite the evidence and the accusations against them, they denied any involvement in their daughter's death.
Rosario died by hanging herself in Brieva penitentiary in Ávila, Spain, on November 18, 2020.
Where is Alfonso Basterra Camporro now?
Alfonso is currently serving his sentence for the murder of his daughter, Asunta.
Alfonso's conviction stemmed from his involvement in the planning and execution of his daughter Asunta's death, along with his ex-wife, Rosario.
The exact motive behind why Alfonso and Rosario killed their daughter Asunta remains unclear.
How to stream 'The Asunta Case'?
'The Asunta Case' is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Access to the series requires a Netflix membership, available starting from $6.99/month for the standard plan with ads.
The standard plan without ads is priced at $15.49/month, while the Premium plan costs $22.99/month.
'The Asunta Case' trailer