News of his disappearance in Maspalomas24h here
The National Police arrested Gallego Pousada, a 70-year-old former civil guard, on Monday in a case that has left the local community in shock. The investigation reveals that on April 18, 2020, after an argument with his wife, the man allegedly killed her and then dismembered her body, scattering the remains in different parts of Gran Canaria. Remains that could belong to the victim were found in the Tropical and Lidl shopping centre in Playa del Inglés this February 2025, according to Canarias 7.
Last Wednesday, a judicial delegation went to a shopping centre in Playa del Inglés and to a supermarket, where the suspect claimed to have thrown parts of his wife's body. Human remains were found in both places, which has intensified the anguish and horror in the area. In addition, an inspection was carried out at the couple's home, where blood was found, confirming the brutality of the crime.
The investigation, which has lasted four years, has brought to light an alleged sexist crime that has shocked the population of the south of the island, especially in a context as difficult as that of the pandemic. During his initial statement as a witness, Gallego Pousada was questioned by specialists in behavioral analysis, and finally confessed to having dismembered his wife's body.
According to his account, the argument on April 18 turned violent, and after a struggle, María Dolores fell and hit her head, which, according to him, caused her death. However, his version has been received with disbelief and revulsion by the community.
The former Civil Guard officer explained that, after realising that his wife had died, he decided to get rid of the body, cutting it into small pieces which he hid in his home before dispersing them on the island. The revelation of these acts has left the residents of San Bartolomé de Tirajana in a state of disbelief and sadness.
Authorities have carried out inspections in the areas where the suspect claimed to have scattered the remains, finding evidence that confirms his confession. The community, which knew the couple, feels deeply affected by the tragedy and the violence that has shaken their environment. María Dolores Ilian Méndez, 59 years old and originally from Catalonia, had lived in Gran Canaria since 2014, while her two daughters remain in Catalonia.
