Podcast Summary: Más de uno – Territorio Negro: Sin cuerpo, sí hay delito

Date: March 30, 2026
Host: OndaCero (Carlos Alsina), with Manu Marlaska and Luis Rendueles

Overview

In this episode of "Territorio Negro" on "Más de uno," hosts Manu Marlaska and Luis Rendueles debunk the widespread belief that without a body, there can be no crime—"Sin cadáver no hay delito". Drawing on famous cases from Spain, they explore how courts have managed to convict murderers without ever recovering a body, a confession, or physical evidence. The conversation is enriched with detailed storytelling, references to legal principles, and a blend of dark humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Myth of "No Body, No Crime"

• Introduction of the Topic
  • The hosts challenge the trope popularized by media that a conviction is impossible if no body is found.
  • Quote: “A fuerza de repetirse se ha convertido casi en verdad... Me refiero a aquella máxima... que dice que sin cadáver no hay delito y que por tanto sin cadáver no hay condena. Bacala. Total, Rotundamente.” – Manu Marlaska [00:43]
• The importance of evidence, both direct and circumstantial, is emphasized as being sufficient for conviction.

2. Spanish Cases: Convictions Without a Body

a. Ramón Lasso – A Historical Precedent [01:43-03:35]

• Background: Lasso was convicted in 2014 for killing his partner Julia and brother-in-law Maurisi, whose bodies were never found.
• Investigative Approach:
  • The Mossos d’Esquadra built a case entirely on circumstantial evidence.
  • Investigators were influenced and aided by Lasso’s dark criminal past.
• Noteworthy Past Crimes:
  • His first wife, Lolita, died in circumstances initially seen as suicide but later proved to be murder.
  • Nine months after, Lasso’s son died in a suspicious car accident orchestrated by Lasso for insurance money.
• Quote: “Oscuro, ¿No? Negro, negrísimo. Un historial tremendo.” – Manu Marlaska [02:26]
• Justice System Insight:
  • Lasso was originally sentenced to 56 years but served only eight due to benefits from the old penal code.

b. Legal Framework: "Detención Ilegal sin dar razón de paradero" [04:00-04:42]

• Earlier Convictions:
  • Cases where people were convicted for illegal detention/disappearance (Article 166), even without bodies or confessions.
  • Example: Javier Cervigón (1998) and the case of “El Nani” with police involvement.

c. Mohamed Taheri – Another Bodyless Conviction [04:44-06:00]

• Case Details:
  • Taheri was convicted for the murder of his ex-wife, Piedad Moya, in 2014.
  • The conviction rested on "indicios agobiantes" (overwhelming circumstantial evidence), a term adopted by the Supreme Court.
  • The cleanliness of the scene and Taheri’s attempts to misdirect investigators were critical pointers.
• Quote: “Indicios agobiantes. Esos indicios eran, entre otros, la permanencia del acusado durante toda la noche en un terreno...” – Manu Marlaska [05:15]

d. Luis Bonet – The Latest Case [06:00-10:05]

• Case Details:
  • Bonet was convicted of killing his associate, Diego Vargas, in 2020 despite the body never being found.
  • Bonet and Vargas were involved in a criminal marijuana business; Vargas disappeared after confronting Bonet.
  • The judge’s verdict was notably didactic, breaking down how circumstantial evidence can be as conclusive as physical evidence.
• Evidence Presented:
  • Emotional dependence and financial state ruled out voluntary disappearance.
  • Last communications and security footage placed the two together at the time Vargas vanished.
  • Mobile phone tracking and digital conversations (Encrochat) further implicated Bonet.
  • Bonet deleted messages and failed to give plausible explanations, reinforcing suspicion.
• Quotes:
  • “La sentencia explica muy bien... demuestra que Diego Vargas no pudo desaparecer por su propia voluntad... que está muerto... y que el autor de la muerte es el procesado Luis Bonet. Y todo ello sin ni una sola prueba directa.” – Manu Marlaska [06:28]
  • “Uno de ellos escribió: está loco, cree que lo tiene todo controlado, no sabe lo que está haciendo.” – Luis Rendueles [09:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “El crimen no descansa, su lucha tampoco.” – Manu Marlaska [10:55]
• Use of the word "bacala" by Marlaska, dismissing myths as nonsense.
• Discussion on penal code reforms and misconceptions about sentencing leniency.
• Darkly humorous banter, e.g., when discussing the vacation plans and the phrase, “El crimen no descansa, su lucha tampoco.” [10:55]

Important Timestamps

• 00:43: Introduction of the myth "sin cadáver no hay delito" and media influence.
• 01:43-03:35: Detailed overview of Ramón Lasso’s case.
• 04:00: Discussion of earlier, bodyless convictions for illegal detention.
• 04:44: Introduction to the Mohamed Taheri case.
• 06:00-10:05: Complete breakdown of the Luis Bonet case: evidence and conviction.
• 08:13: Judicial reasoning on why Vargas could not have disappeared voluntarily.
• 09:11-10:05: Digital and circumstantial evidence (Encrochat, security cameras, mobile tracking).
• 10:53-10:58: Closing humorous remarks.

Conclusion

The episode thoroughly dismantles the myth that a murder case cannot succeed without a body, illustrating through gripping Spanish cases how a well-constructed chain of circumstantial evidence can bring justice to even the most seemingly "perfect" crimes. The narrative is both informative and captivating, with practical insights into criminal law, investigation techniques, and the evolution of jurisprudence in Spain.

This summary captures the investigative spirit, legal insight, and lively tone of "Territorio Negro," offering a comprehensive guide to listeners seeking the episode’s essential content.