Spain’s Policía Nacional has successfully captured Jesús Heredia Iglesias, one of the country’s “10 Most Wanted” fugitives, following a decade-long manhunt.
Heredia, who had been on the run since 2009, was wanted for a brutal murder in Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, in what investigators describe as one of the most significant cold cases in recent years.
A violent past
Heredia’s crime dates back to 2009 when a bar altercation in Talavera de la Reina turned deadly. He attacked his victim with a knife before firing five shots, resulting in the victim’s death. Convicted in absentia, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison but evaded justice for over a decade.
A decade of evasion
Despite extensive searches in Toledo and other parts of Spain, Heredia managed to elude authorities, relying on an extensive network of family connections to remain hidden. This prompted the Policia Nacional´s Fugitive Location Unit to add him to their “10 Most Wanted” list in July 2024.
Heredia’s ability to avoid capture was a testament to his skill in evading law enforcement and the support he received from his close-knit network.
Public cooperation leads to arrest
The turning point in the case came after the Policía Nacional launched a social media campaign featuring Spain’s most wanted fugitives. The public responded by providing crucial information that led investigators to Murcia, where Heredia had built a family life to aid his concealment.
After confirming his presence in Murcia, police conducted surveillance operations to pinpoint his location. Heredia and his wife were found to be employing extensive counter-surveillance and security measures to avoid detection.
The operation
Once his hiding place was identified, a coordinated operation was launched with support from the Special Operations Group (GEO) and the Prevention and Reaction Unit (UPR). The high-security raid successfully resulted in Heredia’s arrest without incident.
Progress in the “10 Most Wanted” campaign
Heredia is the fourth fugitive to be captured since the National Police’s “10 Most Wanted” campaign began in July 2024. The campaign has proven to be an effective tool in solving cold cases, thanks to widespread public awareness and cooperation.
The Policía Nacional expressed gratitude to citizens for their vigilance and support, highlighting the vital role of community collaboration in bringing dangerous fugitives to justice.