The Asunta Case (2024) s01e02 Episode Script
September 24
1
BASED ON A TRUE STORY
SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
[clock ticking]
[tense music playing]
Give me your right hand.
Your thumb.
Here. Press.
Now your index finger.
That's it.
[computer keys clacking]
[Ríos] Here, wipe the ink off.
Rosario, please, stand there.
For your picture.
[Cristina] Face me.
[shutter clicking]
[Cristina] Other side.
[clicking continues]
And your hands, please.
Palms facing up. Like that. Thanks.
[Turrientes] Come with me, please.
- Where?
- Follow me. Let's go.
[door unlocking, opening]
Come on, please.
- Go in. It's all right.
- Please, don't worry. Go in.
Walk in, please.
[Rosario crying]
[door bangs]
THE ASUNTA CASE
- [cellphone ringing]
- [sighs]
Malvar.
[Ríos] Your Honor, the suspect's
been admitted to Coruña prison.
Good. How did it go at the funeral?
Well, it could've gone worse.
We're analyzing the Mercedes,
but Ms. Porto says
she has nothing to declare.
I suppose lying to us once
was enough for that one.
- [TV host] This is where the funeral
- Great.
- for the 11-year-old girl
- Call you back later.
- Romina!
- whose body was found
- beside a country road in Teo.
- Romina!
- Neighbors, friends, family members
- Dad! You'll make us deaf.
- appalled that the mother
- [volume decreases]
It fell. I couldn't reach it,
my back is sore
Call me next time it happens. Or Romina.
I'm sorry, sir.
I barely hear it from the kitchen.
[Romina] Mr. Eloy, come on.
Time for lunch.
[Eloy tapping his foot]
Well, I'm off now, pop.
Stay here with Romina.
There's a knife missing.
There were twelve, now there's eleven.
When I bought the silverware
with your mother, they were even.
We've talked about this.
The thing was lost a long time ago.
Maybe it accidentally went in the trash
or clearing the table at Christmas.
[clicks tongue]
[sighs] Okay, pop.
[deep sigh]
When I have time to go,
I'll grab a new knife, how about that?
- You won't find ones like these.
- We'll buy a new kind.
It'll be different.
No, it won't, no. It'll be better.
[exhales] I have to go, Dad.
Behave yourself.
[distant traffic, horn beeping]
[loud indistinct chattering]
[reporter 1] They're asking questions.
People wanna know what's going on.
Alfonso, please, say something.
- How do you feel about her hurting Asunta?
- [reporter 1] Is your wife all right?
[reporter 2] Did you have anything
to do with it?
[reporter 3] Is she gonna turn you in?
Just answer the question.
[Anselmo] Show some consideration.
Have a little respect, please.
[reporters continue clamoring, shouting]
[indistinct hushed chatter]
My condolences, Alfonso.
The kids from music class are devastated.
I'm so sorry.
[shutters clicking]
[menacing music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
- [reporters clamoring]
- [crowd chattering]
[clicking continues]
[shouting] Get out! Come on.
Have some empathy!
Get out! Out!
Out!
[no audible dialogue]
[serene music playing]
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
[congregation] Amen.
[buzzer sounds]
[whimpering]
They can't hear me.
- [buzzer continues]
- [gasping]
[buzzer continues]
- [hatch opens]
- [Ríos] Do you need the restroom?
Excuse me. Were you changing shifts?
No, we were upstairs.
- [Rosario crying] I can't take it anymore.
- What's happening?
[inhales sharply] I need
to take my medication.
I can't do this without it.
I need help, please.
- Without it, I can't take this.
- [door opens]
- I can't
- What medication?
The one the doctor prescribed me.
[sniffles] Ask him, please.
I take it every day.
Can you ask Alfonso to bring it?
I can't handle all this
- I will, no problem.
- There's no way I can do this without it.
Cristina. [sobbing] Cristina!
[gasping] I'm begging you,
please, can you give me a cigarette?
I can't breathe.
Sure, I can help you out.
Maybe we can get some fresh air.
[exhales] I'm so grateful.
Come on. Okay? Calm down.
- [Rosario crying] It's just
- Come.
- Uh I can't breathe.
- It's all right.
[Rosario] I can't breathe.
[Cristina] Easy.
I never could've imagined I'd have to go
through something like this.
Look how nervous I am. Look.
I'm not built
for something like this, Christina.
No one can be prepared
for the burial of their child, Rosario.
And to be accused
of murdering my daughter.
Why on earth
would I want to kill my own child?
Huh?
Especially when When last Friday
Last Friday was one of the best days
of my life.
How so? What happened on Friday?
Well
Alfonso is he's good at certain things.
At logistics, for example.
Uh At cooking family dinners,
handling our financials,
scheduling doctor's appointments
But, Cristina, there are other things
Those things a woman needs
that he couldn't provide.
I found a solution
to that problem on my own.
Rosario, I'm sorry,
but I'm having trouble following you.
I don't know what you're referring to.
Cristina, you know the kind of needs
I'm referring to.
Do you know what I mean?
And, oh, my Vicente
- There's no one like my Vicente.
- Right, right, right.
So you're saying
that you and Vicente are lovers?
Is that right?
I can't believe the trembling in my legs.
That I said it out loud.
I feel so embarrassed right now.
Don't be embarrassed.
Wanting someone to fulfill those needs
is not that uncommon.
Yes, but it just seems like,
if you're a mother,
you're not allowed to have fun anymore.
And, on top of that,
Asunta is at that age,
and was acting like a typical teenager.
Her behavior was driving me up the wall.
And those moments with Vicente
They gave me life.
Cristina,
they made me feel so alive.
Rosario, we have evidence
that proves you lied to us before.
Your daughter went with you to Montouto.
You didn't leave her at home,
like you told us at the station.
[tense music playing]
I said she stayed home, that's the truth.
I forgot to say that, at first,
she wanted to go to Montouto,
to pick up the swimsuits together.
But last minute, she changed her mind.
She wanted to stay.
The girl was driving me nuts!
But why does it matter?
She ended up staying at home,
as I said from the beginning.
Why was your story different
the first time we asked you about it?
What should I have said, then, Cristina?
That my daughter talked back
to her mother? That she was disobedient?
I could never badmouth my girl.
I am her mother!
Kids are like that, Rosario.
Mom and I fought like that all the time.
Asunta wouldn't.
Asunta wouldn't.
I'll tell you something.
My mother made it clear,
there are things you can't ever discuss.
You don't mention it.
They never existed, Cristina.
Never existed.
[indistinct chatter]
[car door closes]
[serene music playing]
[engages handbrake]
Alfonso. You sure
you don't want us to go up?
I need to be alone for a while.
Just promise you'll let us know
if you need anything.
[door unlocks]
[ominous music playing]
JANUARY 6, 2013
EIGHT AND A HALF MONTHS
BEFORE ASUNTA'S DEATH
HI, CHARISIMA. I MISS YOUR VOICE.
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU.
THE 4TH IS THE DAY.
I WANT TO CALL, BUT THIS'LL HAVE TO DO.
BIG KISSES.
- [church bell tolling in distance]
- [mouse clicking]
WE'RE GOING TO THAT SWIMMING POOL.
DOWNLOAD ATTACHMENTS
RESERVATION DETAILS
GUEST: ROSARIO PORTO ORTEGA
[suspenseful music playing]
RESERVATION DETAILS
ROOMS: 1 GUESTS: 2
WE'LL DO SO MANY THINGS.
SLEEPING AND SO MUCH MORE.
CHARITO. "EVERY INCH" OF YOU
I CAN'T WAIT TO DO WHAT WE DO.
[door opens]
[footsteps running]
[Asunta] Wow! Mommy,
come see the presents!
- [paper rustling]
- [Asunta] This one's so big!
[rustling continues]
[Asunta] It's huge.
- [door opens]
- [Asunta] Wow. I love it!
[Rosario] Okay, dear, aren't you going
to wait until we're all together?
[Asunta] Look! This one's for you.
[Rosario] Is that a scooter?
- [Asunta] Yeah.
- [Rosario] So cool!
[Asunta] Mm. I think this one's for you.
This one's for grandpa.
You must've been very good girls, huh?
Santa Claus must really like us.
[Asunta] Dad, aren't you gonna
open your presents?
I will, honey. I will.
[Asunta] This one this one's for Dad.
- [Rosario] Do you need help with that?
- [Asunta] Yes, please.
[Rosario gasps] I love it.
- [shutter clicks]
- [Asunta] Who's this for?
Dad! This one's yours.
[Asunta] And another one for me!
[serene music playing]
ASUNTA'S MOTHER ARRESTED
FOR VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
ACCORDING TO POLICE SOURCES,
ROSARIO PORTO LIED TO AUTHORITIES
ASUNTA'S MOTHER LIED
[music fades]
- [man] Ríos.
- Yeah?
Come here.
What is it?
[man] The floor mats are missing.
Only the rear ones.
[sinister music playing]
[keyboard clacking]
The car is definitely Rosario's.
But are you sure it's the girl
in the seat next to her?
Is it Asunta?
[Molina] By the height of the passenger,
the white T-shirt she was wearing,
yeah, I'm 99% sure that's her.
But there's still doubt.
DO NOT CROSS
- [woman] I can go if you want, Alfonso.
- No, they called me.
[Dolores] Don Francisco wouldn't allow
his daughter to be locked up
in that place for another minute.
[Alfonso] Why don't you try
bringing him back from the dead?
[Dolores] How dare you speak
about your father-in-law like that?
[Alfonso] What am I supposed to say?
- Mari Cruz, I need a favor.
- [Mari Cruz] Sure.
I need you to take Dolores home.
[exhales]
Do you have cash, Dolores?
[knocking on door]
- Yeah?
- Luis.
The girl's toxicology report.
It just came in.
LORAZEPAM: 0.68 µg
EQUIVALENT TO 27 PILLS
[Malvar] Motherfucker.
Her mother gave her 27 lorazepam
before the murder.
[clerk] Didn't forensics say
the cause of death was suffocation?
I guess giving them to her
made suffocating her easier.
Thanks.
[door opens, closes]
That crazy bitch.
[Ríos] I'm glad we had those churros.
Malvar was right.
We won't have time for lunch.
Hey? What's wrong?
Did you know
Rosario went to the hospital three times
because she was having mental breakdowns?
Who'd have thought, seeing her now.
Since she was eighteen years old.
She tried committing suicide twice.
The last time was 2009, four years ago.
What d'ya know, partner?
I guess rich people cry too.
[Cristina] She didn't mention it.
She did say that Friday
was one of the best days of her life.
Apparently she has a secret lover
who's great in bed.
What?
You heard me.
Are you telling me
that right after her daughter's funeral
she's confiding in you
about getting banged by some dude?
Yeah.
- It's weird, right?
- Fuckin' A, it is!
Knowing that family's connections,
the lover was probably
a politician in the Xunta. Am I right?
No idea, but Turrientes is on it.
We have to trust our partners, right?
Huh.
Hello? Hey, buddy!
[store clerk] We don't sell
that kind of twine.
If you want something similar,
you might need to go to Portugal.
It's the one thing you don't have here.
I have it in green.
Portugal, you said?
- [store clerk] How much do you need?
- [cellphone ringing]
- [Cristina] We're good. Thank you.
- [store clerk] Okay.
Yes? Ríos.
Um. Great, tell him we're on our way.
Alfonso Basterra's already at the station.
- Have a good one.
- Okay.
- Thanks for your help.
- See ya.
- [police siren wailing in distance]
- [horn beeping]
Thank you for waiting, Mr. Basterra.
Come with us.
- No, I'm not going anywhere.
- Why not? In a hurry?
I'm fine. Just give Rosario her pills.
Is she okay?
She's mentally unwell,
you should have some sympathy.
We'll be sure
to get this to her right away,
but we'd like to have a word with you.
- Please follow us.
- This way.
What about?
Why do I have to talk to you?
Am I being charged?
No. We hoped you could help
clarify some things. That's different.
I'm very familiar with legal matters
and how this works.
No. I have nothing to declare.
My lawyer advised me not to.
Alfonso, are you sure?
Because Rosario gave us false information.
If it were me, I'd be curious about it.
Any information could be useful.
How about it?
There are two boxes of lorazepam,
one of fluoxetine, and one of paracetamol.
As prescribed by her psychiatrist.
I'm not kidding, she's very unstable.
Also, if you could tell her
I brought this for her.
I thought she might need it.
I looked around her place for her phone,
but I couldn't find it.
I assume she has it.
We're analyzing it.
- It's in police custody for now.
- Of course.
[Ríos] Weird, isn't it?
Considering how familiar you are
with legal matters. Right?
Please give her that as soon as you can.
[female voice on TV]
Hurry up. You need to see this.
[TV host] the latest analysis
on the body of the child, Asunta..
Investigators are getting
a clearer picture
about the sinister circumstances
surrounding her death.
The child was made to ingest
a large quantity of drugs
- before being suffocated.
- [Ríos] How did the press find out?
According to the toxicological reports,
they found .68 micrograms
of lorazepam in her blood.
That amount is the equivalent
of 27 pills of this powerful tranquilizer
in the girl's system.
- Traces of the same drug
- See you soon.
have been found in her hair,
showing that the child could've been
taking this drug for an extended period.
Sleepiness, cloudy vision, lethargy,
comatose state, altered reflexes
these are some of the symptoms that,
according to experts
from the National Toxicology Institute,
the child could've experienced
for months leading up to her murder.
["Baa Baa Black Sheep" playing on violin]
- [violin screeches]
- [Asunta] Can I go to the bathroom?
[loud thud]
Asunta! What happened?
What's wrong, honey?
[Asunta] No one will listen to me.
[voice echoes]
They're giving me some white powder.
[no audible dialogue]
[Ríos] Your Honor,
it's obvious something's going on.
Or are you gonna deny it?
- I'm not denying anything, Ríos.
- Okay, so
Information is being leaked.
You know about it.
A story like that on the news
can screw up our entire investigation.
- [Ríos] Completely.
- You're blaming me? How's it my fault?
It's a small town.
Everyone knows each other.
The cousin of the guy who processed
the lab report told the press about it,
for all I know. [chuckles]
I think we should open
an internal investigation.
What if we discover the story was leaked
from the police department?
- [Ríos scoffs]
- Huh?
Ah!
Exactly.
Let's focus on the work at hand.
On the work.
Plus, you said Asunta's music professor
went to the Civil Guard after seeing this?
[grunts]
Trust me.
They did us a favor.
What did she tell you?
She said that on 9th and 23rd July,
the girl arrived at school
and was like a zombie.
She said she was groggy.
[Cristina] The teachers asked
what was wrong,
and she said her parents were giving her
a white powder for her allergies,
but in reality,
she's not allergic to anything.
So her parents were giving her
lorazepam for months?
[Ríos] They're analyzing hair samples
to check how long she'd been taking it.
We'll have the results soon.
What gets on my nerves
is how quickly people report these things
when it's kids
from the wrong side of the tracks.
But when it's a wealthy family,
I mean, man, no one is suspicious.
[Ríos] There's one more thing, Your Honor.
Um tell him.
[Cristina] Uh
Rosario Porto was seeing somebody.
What?
[Cristina] She was with her lover
the day before Asunta's murder.
- The day before?
- [Ríos] Well, the night before.
In fact, he was the last person
to be with Rosario
before Rosario had lunch
with Basterra and the girl.
Married, head of a household, businessman,
unfaithful Classic. [chuckles]
[Malvar] Damn, he's from Negreira!
I dated a girl from there.
She was smoking hot.
[blows raspberry]
- Hm.
- [Malvar chuckles]
A lover from Negreira, huh?
Did you talk to him?
[Ríos] Not yet,
we've called him to set up a time.
But, uh, he said something
about how his leg was hurting.
Okay, but I bet his third leg's all right.
Man, what a world.
[Ríos chuckles, groans]
If the leg story's true,
I owe you an Irish coffee.
Tell me the truth, though.
Malvar is no fool.
[Cristina] Molina and Turrientes
went to the crime scene
to see the neighbor
who said he was there that night.
- [serene music playing]
- [door closes]
[exhales]
[tense music playing]
[music fades]
[buzzer sounds]
[door opens]
You think this a good time for a visit?
What is it?
Vicente Dozón?
They want to see the license
for the new bar, I'll just be a second.
Go inside, honey.
[Cristina] Good evening.
Well, it was.
[Vicente] You come to a house
with children at this time of night?
What are you doing here?
You have no right,
I've done nothing wrong!
Easy. We have every right to be here.
If you've done nothing wrong,
why the need to talk away from your wife?
What don't you want her to hear?
- Did you have a boy or girl?
- I've done nothing illegal!
Or did the Civil Guard
start policing infidelity?
Hey, hey. Lower your voice, for starters.
For now, you're a witness, not a suspect.
But that can easily change.
I suggest you watch your tone. Okay, pal.
All right, Vicente, listen.
A year and a half ago our suspect and you
started seeing each other,
as far as we know.
- So what?
- What's your relationship with the girl?
None! I never saw her.
I have my own family to worry about.
Yeah, sure. It's easy having a family.
Keeping one is hard, right?
[Vicente]
You're about to destroy my family
while Alfonso's running free!
Isn't he a suspect?
Have you questioned him?
- [Ríos] He isn't a suspect.
- That bastard was unbelievable.
- When he found out I was fucking Charo
- Tell me what you mean. Unbelievable?
Oh, no [chuckles]
You want the truth, officers?
If I'm asked to testify against Rosario,
I'll say she's the best mother
in the world.
And if I'm asked to testify for her,
I'll say she's the worst.
Hey, man,
honestly,
in either case, your wife will find out
about the affair with Rosario.
That's what I think.
Are we done here?
Don't run, all right.
Don't wanna hurt your bad leg.
There he goes. He's in a hurry.
Do you think he's involved?
- [camera beeps]
- Are we rolling?
Rolling.
Okay, Mr. Miranda.
You said you passed by with your wife.
- Yes.
- At what time?
It was 11:15 or 11:20 p.m.
I know that because as we were walking up,
my son was just getting home.
- Do you always take the same route?
- Same one every night.
My doctor holds me accountable.
A walk every day is vital,
there's nothing better for the heart.
All right. So one more thing.
Uh, what were you doing
while you were walking?
What do you mean by that?
We talk and smoke, like everyone does.
Were you carrying the same flashlight?
The same one. It's high quality.
I had it then. We passed right by here.
If she was here we would've seen her body.
Right. Uh, uh
Can you walk by like you did that night?
Absolutely.
[Turrientes] I don't think
you'd be focused on the weeds that much.
Yeah, so what?
- I'll show you what. May I?
- Sure.
Since you were chatting with your wife
and focusing on the road
with the flashlight,
you could've easily missed
the girl's body.
What do you want me to say, officer?
That the girl was there?
No way! I promise she wasn't.
You can say what you want,
but she wasn't there! Hear me?
Okay, fine, then I'm sure you won't mind
if we test something out?
Run your stupid tests.
I called that one.
Casanova's leg was fine.
He was running on it!
Mmm. Cristina, I didn't lose the bet,
but does that mean
you won't drink with us? [chuckles]
Would you rather have a mojito?
Hey, how did the visibility tests pan out?
The recording is at the station.
So?
Well, the neighbor insists
that if the girl had been there,
he would have seen her.
Let's just keep doing our jobs, okay?
And Rosario?
What time is her interrogation?
We all must exercise a little patience.
Let her feel the pressure.
Okay, then. First thing in the morning,
we'll visit the pharmacies
near their place
and find out if they bought sleeping pills
on the days the teacher mentioned. Hm?
Mm. All right.
- [door opens]
- [journalist talking on TV]
- [door closes]
- [keys jangling]
[journalist continues on TV]
- [girl] Grandpa!
- Hey!
What did I say about talking and eating?
Don't do it, right?
- [girl] We don't do that.
- We don't do that.
She was hungry
after she woke up. Huh, dear?
- That's what happens without a routine.
- Yeah.
[journalist 2 talking on TV]
- How's it going?
- [Ríos] Well
could be worse.
- But we're still the good guys.
- [girl playing with toy]
I'm speechless. With their money,
why would they do such a thing?
If you don't want a kid,
send her to boarding school in Sweden.
- [Ríos] Yeah.
- Right?
You know what time it is?
Where are we going?
- Hm? We go to bed! That's right.
- We go to bed.
No stories, singing,
dancing, anything like that.
[woman] Don't carry her,
she's too old for that.
- Yeah.
- Her mom's worried she'll get used to it.
Have you seen her mom?
Neither have I. Come on! Here we go.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
[clock ticking]
FOUR DAYS AFTER THE BODY WAS FOUND
[cell door rattling, opens]
[Turrientes] Good morning, Rosario.
Get up, we need to go.
Go where?
[Turrientes] They're searching the house
in Montouto, you have to be there.
[exasperated sigh] What, again?
Did they find anything?
- [Turrientes] Your hands, please.
- Huh?
Your hands. I need to cuff you first.
Oh. Excuse me.
- I'll stand up.
- Yeah, stand.
[handcuffs rattling]
[handcuffs fastening]
The search was ordered by Judge Malvar.
Mr. Basterra will be there too.
[Rosario groans]
[Turrientes] Let's go.
- [Ríos] Good morning. Civil Guard.
- [pharmacist] Good morning.
Please show me
your record of lorazepam purchases
in the last 12 months.
PHARMACY
- [pharmacist] Just a minute.
- [Ríos] Mm-hmm.
Here it is.
Is your request is it about that kid?
I'll ask the questions today, okay?
Would you give me something
for a headache, please?
- Yes, sure.
- Thanks.
One minute.
- Anything?
- [scientist] I have to write the report.
But we did a morphological
and comparative study
with the twine that was found in the house
and the one found next to the girl.
One on color
and one on the components of the plastic.
It's like analyzing the twine's DNA.
Can you cut to the chase already?
Is it the same twine then, or not?
Their physical and chemical composition
are the same,
but we can't prove a common origin.
Um, excuse me,
but are you saying they're different?
The cuts on the end of the twine
they found by the body
don't match the cuts on the twine
from the house in Montouto.
- But it could be the same one.
- But it "could" be the same?
With these types of rope
made with nylon strings
- Yeah.
- because of its composition,
after they're cut,
it's impossible to fit them together.
To make both ends match.
All right. Thank you very much then.
[message alert pings]
MIGUEL GONZÁLEZ - DRUG SCREENING
OPERATION WATER LILY
It's the pharmacological report
on the girl.
[cellphone ringing]
Yeah?
No, I just got it. Tell me.
Come on.
[sinister music playing]
It was three to four months?
Bye. Bye, thanks.
- [ends call]
- Unreal.
What does it say?
Cancel your plans for dinner.
[shutters clicking]
[reporter] Alfonso, how are you?
Are you involved?
Were you a part of the murder?
I'm just asking.
Tell us something.
Alfonso, did you know it was your ex-wife?
Are you innocent?
At least tell us that, Alfonso.
Are you innocent?
[tense music playing]
How's your ex-wife?
Initially, they considered the hypothesis
that your ex-wife could have done it,
and that you were helping
to cover up the murder.
And now you shake your head.
If it had been your ex-wife,
would you have covered for her?
Are you like that?
That's all we want to know.
I just think
the expression on your face is strange.
Alfonso, we understand
what you're going through,
we just want you to answer the question.
I'm confused by your expression.
You'll be ashamed you asked me that
when you watch this video.
[reporter] I'm just asking questions,
I don't mean to upset you.
I mean it. Listen to your questions
when you replay this video.
- I just asked if your ex-wife was
- No!
Excuse me, are you his lawyer?
We're not giving any statements.
I'm sorry, we're not saying anything.
Does your client plan on talking
to the police again?
- Is he thinking about accusing his wife
- [Rodrigo] Hey!
[reporter] We need a comment
for our viewers.
[Rodrigo] Alfonso!
[reporter] Nothing?
Well, thank you very much.
Don't worry, Alfonso.
This will pass.
You're not alone. Just stay calm.
Should we wait a moment?
We have to stay calm, right?
Then how about we stay fucking calm?
JANURAY 8, 2013
EIGHT AND A HALF MONTHS
BEFORE ASUNTA'S DEATH
[door opens]
[woman clears throat]
[door closes]
[footsteps]
[Rosario] You didn't leave to pick her up?
Alfon, have you checked the time?
[Alfonso exhales]
[Rosario] Alfon, what's wrong?
Vicente.
[Rosario] What?
[suspenseful music playing]
[Alfonso sighs] Vicente.
[Rosario] Who's Vicente?
My wife.
You won't say anything?
Well, of course not, huh?
[Rosario] Are you sure
this isn't just a misunderstanding?
What is? Your fucking emails?
Explain how I'm misunderstanding those.
Because I can't.
[Rosario] Did you read my emails?
You've broken my life.
You broke my life.
It's my right to privacy.
You have no right to do that, Alfon.
Your right to privacy?
You think you can turn this around
on me now?
Your rights? I'm stuck here all day,
taking care of the kid, of the house,
all of it! And you're fucking around!
Shh, keep your voice down,
they're going to hear you.
- Let them fucking hear! Let them!
- Honey, take it easy.
- [Alfonso] I don't have to do anything!
- Calm down.
Beat the fucking door, for fuck's sake!
- Calm down!
- I'm not calm, I'll never be calm.
You're scaring me, Alfon.
[Alfonso] Adulterer
What kind of vermin does this
to her family? Huh?
[sniffs]
In my face. My fucking face!
What are you saying?
Why not talk it over calmly?
What do you want to talk about, huh?
How he is in bed?
How you ridiculed me behind my back?
A married man
A married man, with a wife.
Expecting a child
It's repugnant. Repugnant.
What?
Did he fill your little holes
here in our house? Huh?
[Rosario] What?
- You answer me!
- [shakily] No.
No.
I didn't do anything here.
Not here, I swear.
Out of respect
for you and Asunta. [crying]
[grunts, sobs]
[reporters clamoring, shouting]
They're like flies.
[Rodrigo] It's better to have them
on our side, Alfonso.
- [reporters shouting questions]
- [guard] Get away from the car.
- [guard] Stop. Hey.
- Were you involved?
CIVIL GUARD
[reporter] We have a right to be here.
[reporters shouting] Rosario! Rosario!
[shutters clicking]
[reporters shouting indistinctly]
- [banging on police van]
- [reporters continue shouting]
[exhales]
Is she here?
- Show her that we trust her.
- I do trust her.
Why is she handcuffed?
Take it easy, Alfonso.
We're going to cooperate.
[Rodrigo] It's better for you
if we get this done quickly.
Careful with Malvar.
He'll try to trick you. Come on.
[Rodrigo] Rosario, they'll notify you
of the house search next.
[Malvar] Gentlemen!
We're looking for any evidence of drugs,
traces of drugs,
containers, prescriptions,
any kind of pill container, anything.
I expect you to turn the place inside out.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Rosario whimpers]
Are you okay?
It's hard.
You got your medication?
Listen, you two. No more whispers.
Separate them now.
[Rodrigo] This isn't easy, Your Honor.
What are these men looking for?
Haven't we suffered enough?
All the pain you've caused us.
I'd shut my mouth if I were you.
[cutlery rattling]
Is having her handcuffed really necessary?
She's mentally unwell.
Alfonso, let me talk.
Your Honor, could we please
make an exception? She won't run away.
When you're arrested
they put you in restraints.
Tell your client I have another pair.
[suspenseful music continues]
Remove her cuffs.
Let her change her clothes.
[Rosario] Really?
Well, well. Look who decided to show!
Where were you?
Your friend's all alone
in there without you.
She has no one to smoke with.
- [Cristina] And the judge?
- Inside.
[suspenseful music playing]
[music turns dramatic]
[Alfonso] Don't look at her.
- Relax, this is what we talked about.
- Don't look at that picture.
What picture?
This one?
That's crossing the line.
- Don't look at her picture!
- Alfonso, easy.
- Put it down! Don't touch it!
- I dare you to touch me!
- I dare you to touch me! See what happens!
- Don't touch it! [shouting]
Hey. Get ahold of yourself, Mr. Basterra,
or we'll arrest you! Understand?
Okay.
[Malvar] Let's get some fresh air.
[music fades]
[exhales]
What happened in there, Your Honor?
What happened?
We have them and they're scared.
We got the results
and they confirmed what we suspected.
They drugged her for three months, three!
They gave her lorazepam.
- What did the pharmacist say?
- Like you said.
I think we're onto something.
Each day before the girl was found groggy,
Alfonso bought lorazepam.
Guess who dropped her off those days,
confirmed by the girl's music teacher?
Uh-huh. It was Four eyes.
Birds of a feather.
It's time to arrest him.
But what about
the problem we have with the twine?
Because of the material, we can't prove
the cuts are from the same spool.
They have the same composition,
so it's a toss up.
It's impossible to rule it out.
I have an idea.
What if we put them in nearby cells
and hook the cells up with microphones?
There's something. Well done.
Do you know what psychiatrists say, Ríos?
You never really love an adopted child
like they're your own.
Well, I'm no psychiatrist,
but I am a father.
I don't think
that being adopted really matters.
People like having kids and making kids,
but then you have
to raise them too, into adults.
There's your motive for murder.
They had enough of parenting.
[Rodrigo] Talk about a legend.
Rosario's father was incredible.
He said the best time to face the judges
was first thing in the morning,
because as the day dragged on,
the judges would start to get hungry.
He said when they're hungry and upset
they give harsher sentences.
[lawyer] I guess judges are people too.
Even if it doesn't
feel that way sometimes. [chuckles]
[TV reporter 1] She appears relaxed,
any onlooker would notice her smile.
This is footage of Rosario Porto
recorded earlier from our film crew
during the search
of her family house in Teo.
A very unusual sight to see
for someone who just lost their daughter.
[TV reporter 2] It's surprising
to us all that this is her demeanor.
As an outside observer,
her behavior is bizarre and off-putting.
- It's hard to describe the feeling.
- [woman] Eat up, Sara.
[reporter 2] It turns your stomach.
Put it out.
Stay strong, Charo.
I'll get you out, you'll see. Don't worry.
Alfonso Basterra, you're under arrest
for possible involvement
in the death of your daughter,
Asunta Yong Fang Basterra Porto.
- It's okay.
- [Ríos] Give me your phone.
[Rodrigo] Do as they say, Alfonso.
[Rodrigo] Can I speak to him in private?
I'll do everything I can,
but this doesn't look good.
[quietly] Don't talk in the cells,
they'll probably be listening in.
- [Cristina] I need to cuff you.
- I didn't do anything.
I I didn't do anything.
[Ríos] You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will
be used against you in a court of law.
You have a right to an attorney.
If you can't afford an attorney
- [Alfonso] I didn't do anything.
- one will be appointed.
You may choose one person
to be informed of your arrest.
- [male voice on TV]
- [door opens, closes]
[Malvar] Pop?
I'm home
[voice on TV] In the distance,
a herd of gazelles stands.
The lion approaches,
hidden in the thick yellow grass
In case you were wondering.
Where's Romina?
[footsteps approach]
I'm sorry.
- What happened?
- I can't do this anymore.
I'm sorry, but I can't.
He argues about everything.
He insults me and calls me a thief.
He yelled in my face, and I froze.
I can't handle it.
- What if I hired someone to help you?
- No, no, no. I've hit my limit.
Your dad needs to have more hands-on care.
Like at a nursing home.
Well, Romina, that's my decision.
Don't you agree?
While you think about it,
you'll have to find someone else.
[keys jangling]
[Malvar] Yes, I know!
But there are four of us,
and I'm the only one looking after Dad!
No, no, no! Absolutely not. I said no!
Yeah, is that really all you have to say?
Very well.
Um, could you help me
while I look for someone else?
- Well, thanks for nothing.
- [ends call, throws cellphone]
[exhales]
[Ríos] This way.
Follow me.
[Alfonso scoffs] This is inhumane.
Well, I suggest you
get used to it, Alfonso.
[buzzer sounds]
[Rosario] I need water for my medication.
Yes, one second.
[buzzer continues]
[Alfonso] Keep your mind clear.
Don't think about anything or anyone.
That's the surest way to keep calm.
[Rosario] How can I not
think about our girl, Alfonso?
Shh. Shh.
No. That's not the mindset.
[Rosario] It's not fair, Alfonso.
It's not fair.
[Alfonso] I know it's not fair,
but they'll clear everything up.
[Rosario] Asunta's not coming back.
[Alfonso] What?
[Rosario] Asunta is not
coming back, Alfonso.
She's gone forever.
[Alfonso] I know, Charo. I know.
[Rosario] I hope they catch the person
who did this,
but what I really want is our girl back.
- [Alfonso] I know, honey. Calm down.
- I'm falling apart [crying]
[Alfonso] Try to rest your eyes, honey.
[Rosario] I can't sleep.
[Alfonso] I know.
- They'll catch the person who did this.
- What?
[Alfonso] Sooner or later,
they'll get who did this.
[Rosario] Of course they will.
[Alfonso] I have no doubt about it.
And tomorrow they might let us out
on probation, or something like that.
[Rosario] But there will be
a trial after that.
- [Alfonso] What?
- There will be a trial after that.
[Alfonso] Well, not if they find
the person who did this first.
They'll find him.
And there won't be a trial.
He'll go on trial, but we won't.
He'll spend his life in prison.
Don't talk about anything inappropriate,
these cells are mic'd.
I'm sorry?
[Alfonso]
Don't say anything inappropriate.
They're recording us.
Yes, but what could I say
that's inappropriate, Alfonso?
[Alfonso] No, I don't know. Nothing.
There's nothing you could say wrong.
But so far, you've seen how
they've twisted everything we do and say.
- You know?
- Okay.
[Alfonso] That's why I said it.
Get some rest and stay strong.
[Rosario] You didn't have time
to do that, did you?
[Alfonso] Huh?
- [Rosario] You didn't have time, right?
- No!
[suspenseful music playing]
[Alfonso] That's why
That's why we have to stay calm.
I love you and you love me.
[Rosario] That thing was very important.
But the problem with that is
They must have, I don't know
[Alfonso] Calm down. Calm down.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Rosario] Yes, but that horny imagination
of yours is going to get us in trouble.
Excuse me?
[Rosario] Your sex-filled imagination
is going to get us in a lot of trouble.
- Big trouble.
- [Alfonso] Quiet!
Based on a true story.
Parts are fictionalized
for privacy and narrative pace.
[serene instrumental music playing]
BASED ON A TRUE STORY
SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
[clock ticking]
[tense music playing]
Give me your right hand.
Your thumb.
Here. Press.
Now your index finger.
That's it.
[computer keys clacking]
[Ríos] Here, wipe the ink off.
Rosario, please, stand there.
For your picture.
[Cristina] Face me.
[shutter clicking]
[Cristina] Other side.
[clicking continues]
And your hands, please.
Palms facing up. Like that. Thanks.
[Turrientes] Come with me, please.
- Where?
- Follow me. Let's go.
[door unlocking, opening]
Come on, please.
- Go in. It's all right.
- Please, don't worry. Go in.
Walk in, please.
[Rosario crying]
[door bangs]
THE ASUNTA CASE
- [cellphone ringing]
- [sighs]
Malvar.
[Ríos] Your Honor, the suspect's
been admitted to Coruña prison.
Good. How did it go at the funeral?
Well, it could've gone worse.
We're analyzing the Mercedes,
but Ms. Porto says
she has nothing to declare.
I suppose lying to us once
was enough for that one.
- [TV host] This is where the funeral
- Great.
- for the 11-year-old girl
- Call you back later.
- Romina!
- whose body was found
- beside a country road in Teo.
- Romina!
- Neighbors, friends, family members
- Dad! You'll make us deaf.
- appalled that the mother
- [volume decreases]
It fell. I couldn't reach it,
my back is sore
Call me next time it happens. Or Romina.
I'm sorry, sir.
I barely hear it from the kitchen.
[Romina] Mr. Eloy, come on.
Time for lunch.
[Eloy tapping his foot]
Well, I'm off now, pop.
Stay here with Romina.
There's a knife missing.
There were twelve, now there's eleven.
When I bought the silverware
with your mother, they were even.
We've talked about this.
The thing was lost a long time ago.
Maybe it accidentally went in the trash
or clearing the table at Christmas.
[clicks tongue]
[sighs] Okay, pop.
[deep sigh]
When I have time to go,
I'll grab a new knife, how about that?
- You won't find ones like these.
- We'll buy a new kind.
It'll be different.
No, it won't, no. It'll be better.
[exhales] I have to go, Dad.
Behave yourself.
[distant traffic, horn beeping]
[loud indistinct chattering]
[reporter 1] They're asking questions.
People wanna know what's going on.
Alfonso, please, say something.
- How do you feel about her hurting Asunta?
- [reporter 1] Is your wife all right?
[reporter 2] Did you have anything
to do with it?
[reporter 3] Is she gonna turn you in?
Just answer the question.
[Anselmo] Show some consideration.
Have a little respect, please.
[reporters continue clamoring, shouting]
[indistinct hushed chatter]
My condolences, Alfonso.
The kids from music class are devastated.
I'm so sorry.
[shutters clicking]
[menacing music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
- [reporters clamoring]
- [crowd chattering]
[clicking continues]
[shouting] Get out! Come on.
Have some empathy!
Get out! Out!
Out!
[no audible dialogue]
[serene music playing]
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
[congregation] Amen.
[buzzer sounds]
[whimpering]
They can't hear me.
- [buzzer continues]
- [gasping]
[buzzer continues]
- [hatch opens]
- [Ríos] Do you need the restroom?
Excuse me. Were you changing shifts?
No, we were upstairs.
- [Rosario crying] I can't take it anymore.
- What's happening?
[inhales sharply] I need
to take my medication.
I can't do this without it.
I need help, please.
- Without it, I can't take this.
- [door opens]
- I can't
- What medication?
The one the doctor prescribed me.
[sniffles] Ask him, please.
I take it every day.
Can you ask Alfonso to bring it?
I can't handle all this
- I will, no problem.
- There's no way I can do this without it.
Cristina. [sobbing] Cristina!
[gasping] I'm begging you,
please, can you give me a cigarette?
I can't breathe.
Sure, I can help you out.
Maybe we can get some fresh air.
[exhales] I'm so grateful.
Come on. Okay? Calm down.
- [Rosario crying] It's just
- Come.
- Uh I can't breathe.
- It's all right.
[Rosario] I can't breathe.
[Cristina] Easy.
I never could've imagined I'd have to go
through something like this.
Look how nervous I am. Look.
I'm not built
for something like this, Christina.
No one can be prepared
for the burial of their child, Rosario.
And to be accused
of murdering my daughter.
Why on earth
would I want to kill my own child?
Huh?
Especially when When last Friday
Last Friday was one of the best days
of my life.
How so? What happened on Friday?
Well
Alfonso is he's good at certain things.
At logistics, for example.
Uh At cooking family dinners,
handling our financials,
scheduling doctor's appointments
But, Cristina, there are other things
Those things a woman needs
that he couldn't provide.
I found a solution
to that problem on my own.
Rosario, I'm sorry,
but I'm having trouble following you.
I don't know what you're referring to.
Cristina, you know the kind of needs
I'm referring to.
Do you know what I mean?
And, oh, my Vicente
- There's no one like my Vicente.
- Right, right, right.
So you're saying
that you and Vicente are lovers?
Is that right?
I can't believe the trembling in my legs.
That I said it out loud.
I feel so embarrassed right now.
Don't be embarrassed.
Wanting someone to fulfill those needs
is not that uncommon.
Yes, but it just seems like,
if you're a mother,
you're not allowed to have fun anymore.
And, on top of that,
Asunta is at that age,
and was acting like a typical teenager.
Her behavior was driving me up the wall.
And those moments with Vicente
They gave me life.
Cristina,
they made me feel so alive.
Rosario, we have evidence
that proves you lied to us before.
Your daughter went with you to Montouto.
You didn't leave her at home,
like you told us at the station.
[tense music playing]
I said she stayed home, that's the truth.
I forgot to say that, at first,
she wanted to go to Montouto,
to pick up the swimsuits together.
But last minute, she changed her mind.
She wanted to stay.
The girl was driving me nuts!
But why does it matter?
She ended up staying at home,
as I said from the beginning.
Why was your story different
the first time we asked you about it?
What should I have said, then, Cristina?
That my daughter talked back
to her mother? That she was disobedient?
I could never badmouth my girl.
I am her mother!
Kids are like that, Rosario.
Mom and I fought like that all the time.
Asunta wouldn't.
Asunta wouldn't.
I'll tell you something.
My mother made it clear,
there are things you can't ever discuss.
You don't mention it.
They never existed, Cristina.
Never existed.
[indistinct chatter]
[car door closes]
[serene music playing]
[engages handbrake]
Alfonso. You sure
you don't want us to go up?
I need to be alone for a while.
Just promise you'll let us know
if you need anything.
[door unlocks]
[ominous music playing]
JANUARY 6, 2013
EIGHT AND A HALF MONTHS
BEFORE ASUNTA'S DEATH
HI, CHARISIMA. I MISS YOUR VOICE.
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU.
THE 4TH IS THE DAY.
I WANT TO CALL, BUT THIS'LL HAVE TO DO.
BIG KISSES.
- [church bell tolling in distance]
- [mouse clicking]
WE'RE GOING TO THAT SWIMMING POOL.
DOWNLOAD ATTACHMENTS
RESERVATION DETAILS
GUEST: ROSARIO PORTO ORTEGA
[suspenseful music playing]
RESERVATION DETAILS
ROOMS: 1 GUESTS: 2
WE'LL DO SO MANY THINGS.
SLEEPING AND SO MUCH MORE.
CHARITO. "EVERY INCH" OF YOU
I CAN'T WAIT TO DO WHAT WE DO.
[door opens]
[footsteps running]
[Asunta] Wow! Mommy,
come see the presents!
- [paper rustling]
- [Asunta] This one's so big!
[rustling continues]
[Asunta] It's huge.
- [door opens]
- [Asunta] Wow. I love it!
[Rosario] Okay, dear, aren't you going
to wait until we're all together?
[Asunta] Look! This one's for you.
[Rosario] Is that a scooter?
- [Asunta] Yeah.
- [Rosario] So cool!
[Asunta] Mm. I think this one's for you.
This one's for grandpa.
You must've been very good girls, huh?
Santa Claus must really like us.
[Asunta] Dad, aren't you gonna
open your presents?
I will, honey. I will.
[Asunta] This one this one's for Dad.
- [Rosario] Do you need help with that?
- [Asunta] Yes, please.
[Rosario gasps] I love it.
- [shutter clicks]
- [Asunta] Who's this for?
Dad! This one's yours.
[Asunta] And another one for me!
[serene music playing]
ASUNTA'S MOTHER ARRESTED
FOR VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
ACCORDING TO POLICE SOURCES,
ROSARIO PORTO LIED TO AUTHORITIES
ASUNTA'S MOTHER LIED
[music fades]
- [man] Ríos.
- Yeah?
Come here.
What is it?
[man] The floor mats are missing.
Only the rear ones.
[sinister music playing]
[keyboard clacking]
The car is definitely Rosario's.
But are you sure it's the girl
in the seat next to her?
Is it Asunta?
[Molina] By the height of the passenger,
the white T-shirt she was wearing,
yeah, I'm 99% sure that's her.
But there's still doubt.
DO NOT CROSS
- [woman] I can go if you want, Alfonso.
- No, they called me.
[Dolores] Don Francisco wouldn't allow
his daughter to be locked up
in that place for another minute.
[Alfonso] Why don't you try
bringing him back from the dead?
[Dolores] How dare you speak
about your father-in-law like that?
[Alfonso] What am I supposed to say?
- Mari Cruz, I need a favor.
- [Mari Cruz] Sure.
I need you to take Dolores home.
[exhales]
Do you have cash, Dolores?
[knocking on door]
- Yeah?
- Luis.
The girl's toxicology report.
It just came in.
LORAZEPAM: 0.68 µg
EQUIVALENT TO 27 PILLS
[Malvar] Motherfucker.
Her mother gave her 27 lorazepam
before the murder.
[clerk] Didn't forensics say
the cause of death was suffocation?
I guess giving them to her
made suffocating her easier.
Thanks.
[door opens, closes]
That crazy bitch.
[Ríos] I'm glad we had those churros.
Malvar was right.
We won't have time for lunch.
Hey? What's wrong?
Did you know
Rosario went to the hospital three times
because she was having mental breakdowns?
Who'd have thought, seeing her now.
Since she was eighteen years old.
She tried committing suicide twice.
The last time was 2009, four years ago.
What d'ya know, partner?
I guess rich people cry too.
[Cristina] She didn't mention it.
She did say that Friday
was one of the best days of her life.
Apparently she has a secret lover
who's great in bed.
What?
You heard me.
Are you telling me
that right after her daughter's funeral
she's confiding in you
about getting banged by some dude?
Yeah.
- It's weird, right?
- Fuckin' A, it is!
Knowing that family's connections,
the lover was probably
a politician in the Xunta. Am I right?
No idea, but Turrientes is on it.
We have to trust our partners, right?
Huh.
Hello? Hey, buddy!
[store clerk] We don't sell
that kind of twine.
If you want something similar,
you might need to go to Portugal.
It's the one thing you don't have here.
I have it in green.
Portugal, you said?
- [store clerk] How much do you need?
- [cellphone ringing]
- [Cristina] We're good. Thank you.
- [store clerk] Okay.
Yes? Ríos.
Um. Great, tell him we're on our way.
Alfonso Basterra's already at the station.
- Have a good one.
- Okay.
- Thanks for your help.
- See ya.
- [police siren wailing in distance]
- [horn beeping]
Thank you for waiting, Mr. Basterra.
Come with us.
- No, I'm not going anywhere.
- Why not? In a hurry?
I'm fine. Just give Rosario her pills.
Is she okay?
She's mentally unwell,
you should have some sympathy.
We'll be sure
to get this to her right away,
but we'd like to have a word with you.
- Please follow us.
- This way.
What about?
Why do I have to talk to you?
Am I being charged?
No. We hoped you could help
clarify some things. That's different.
I'm very familiar with legal matters
and how this works.
No. I have nothing to declare.
My lawyer advised me not to.
Alfonso, are you sure?
Because Rosario gave us false information.
If it were me, I'd be curious about it.
Any information could be useful.
How about it?
There are two boxes of lorazepam,
one of fluoxetine, and one of paracetamol.
As prescribed by her psychiatrist.
I'm not kidding, she's very unstable.
Also, if you could tell her
I brought this for her.
I thought she might need it.
I looked around her place for her phone,
but I couldn't find it.
I assume she has it.
We're analyzing it.
- It's in police custody for now.
- Of course.
[Ríos] Weird, isn't it?
Considering how familiar you are
with legal matters. Right?
Please give her that as soon as you can.
[female voice on TV]
Hurry up. You need to see this.
[TV host] the latest analysis
on the body of the child, Asunta..
Investigators are getting
a clearer picture
about the sinister circumstances
surrounding her death.
The child was made to ingest
a large quantity of drugs
- before being suffocated.
- [Ríos] How did the press find out?
According to the toxicological reports,
they found .68 micrograms
of lorazepam in her blood.
That amount is the equivalent
of 27 pills of this powerful tranquilizer
in the girl's system.
- Traces of the same drug
- See you soon.
have been found in her hair,
showing that the child could've been
taking this drug for an extended period.
Sleepiness, cloudy vision, lethargy,
comatose state, altered reflexes
these are some of the symptoms that,
according to experts
from the National Toxicology Institute,
the child could've experienced
for months leading up to her murder.
["Baa Baa Black Sheep" playing on violin]
- [violin screeches]
- [Asunta] Can I go to the bathroom?
[loud thud]
Asunta! What happened?
What's wrong, honey?
[Asunta] No one will listen to me.
[voice echoes]
They're giving me some white powder.
[no audible dialogue]
[Ríos] Your Honor,
it's obvious something's going on.
Or are you gonna deny it?
- I'm not denying anything, Ríos.
- Okay, so
Information is being leaked.
You know about it.
A story like that on the news
can screw up our entire investigation.
- [Ríos] Completely.
- You're blaming me? How's it my fault?
It's a small town.
Everyone knows each other.
The cousin of the guy who processed
the lab report told the press about it,
for all I know. [chuckles]
I think we should open
an internal investigation.
What if we discover the story was leaked
from the police department?
- [Ríos scoffs]
- Huh?
Ah!
Exactly.
Let's focus on the work at hand.
On the work.
Plus, you said Asunta's music professor
went to the Civil Guard after seeing this?
[grunts]
Trust me.
They did us a favor.
What did she tell you?
She said that on 9th and 23rd July,
the girl arrived at school
and was like a zombie.
She said she was groggy.
[Cristina] The teachers asked
what was wrong,
and she said her parents were giving her
a white powder for her allergies,
but in reality,
she's not allergic to anything.
So her parents were giving her
lorazepam for months?
[Ríos] They're analyzing hair samples
to check how long she'd been taking it.
We'll have the results soon.
What gets on my nerves
is how quickly people report these things
when it's kids
from the wrong side of the tracks.
But when it's a wealthy family,
I mean, man, no one is suspicious.
[Ríos] There's one more thing, Your Honor.
Um tell him.
[Cristina] Uh
Rosario Porto was seeing somebody.
What?
[Cristina] She was with her lover
the day before Asunta's murder.
- The day before?
- [Ríos] Well, the night before.
In fact, he was the last person
to be with Rosario
before Rosario had lunch
with Basterra and the girl.
Married, head of a household, businessman,
unfaithful Classic. [chuckles]
[Malvar] Damn, he's from Negreira!
I dated a girl from there.
She was smoking hot.
[blows raspberry]
- Hm.
- [Malvar chuckles]
A lover from Negreira, huh?
Did you talk to him?
[Ríos] Not yet,
we've called him to set up a time.
But, uh, he said something
about how his leg was hurting.
Okay, but I bet his third leg's all right.
Man, what a world.
[Ríos chuckles, groans]
If the leg story's true,
I owe you an Irish coffee.
Tell me the truth, though.
Malvar is no fool.
[Cristina] Molina and Turrientes
went to the crime scene
to see the neighbor
who said he was there that night.
- [serene music playing]
- [door closes]
[exhales]
[tense music playing]
[music fades]
[buzzer sounds]
[door opens]
You think this a good time for a visit?
What is it?
Vicente Dozón?
They want to see the license
for the new bar, I'll just be a second.
Go inside, honey.
[Cristina] Good evening.
Well, it was.
[Vicente] You come to a house
with children at this time of night?
What are you doing here?
You have no right,
I've done nothing wrong!
Easy. We have every right to be here.
If you've done nothing wrong,
why the need to talk away from your wife?
What don't you want her to hear?
- Did you have a boy or girl?
- I've done nothing illegal!
Or did the Civil Guard
start policing infidelity?
Hey, hey. Lower your voice, for starters.
For now, you're a witness, not a suspect.
But that can easily change.
I suggest you watch your tone. Okay, pal.
All right, Vicente, listen.
A year and a half ago our suspect and you
started seeing each other,
as far as we know.
- So what?
- What's your relationship with the girl?
None! I never saw her.
I have my own family to worry about.
Yeah, sure. It's easy having a family.
Keeping one is hard, right?
[Vicente]
You're about to destroy my family
while Alfonso's running free!
Isn't he a suspect?
Have you questioned him?
- [Ríos] He isn't a suspect.
- That bastard was unbelievable.
- When he found out I was fucking Charo
- Tell me what you mean. Unbelievable?
Oh, no [chuckles]
You want the truth, officers?
If I'm asked to testify against Rosario,
I'll say she's the best mother
in the world.
And if I'm asked to testify for her,
I'll say she's the worst.
Hey, man,
honestly,
in either case, your wife will find out
about the affair with Rosario.
That's what I think.
Are we done here?
Don't run, all right.
Don't wanna hurt your bad leg.
There he goes. He's in a hurry.
Do you think he's involved?
- [camera beeps]
- Are we rolling?
Rolling.
Okay, Mr. Miranda.
You said you passed by with your wife.
- Yes.
- At what time?
It was 11:15 or 11:20 p.m.
I know that because as we were walking up,
my son was just getting home.
- Do you always take the same route?
- Same one every night.
My doctor holds me accountable.
A walk every day is vital,
there's nothing better for the heart.
All right. So one more thing.
Uh, what were you doing
while you were walking?
What do you mean by that?
We talk and smoke, like everyone does.
Were you carrying the same flashlight?
The same one. It's high quality.
I had it then. We passed right by here.
If she was here we would've seen her body.
Right. Uh, uh
Can you walk by like you did that night?
Absolutely.
[Turrientes] I don't think
you'd be focused on the weeds that much.
Yeah, so what?
- I'll show you what. May I?
- Sure.
Since you were chatting with your wife
and focusing on the road
with the flashlight,
you could've easily missed
the girl's body.
What do you want me to say, officer?
That the girl was there?
No way! I promise she wasn't.
You can say what you want,
but she wasn't there! Hear me?
Okay, fine, then I'm sure you won't mind
if we test something out?
Run your stupid tests.
I called that one.
Casanova's leg was fine.
He was running on it!
Mmm. Cristina, I didn't lose the bet,
but does that mean
you won't drink with us? [chuckles]
Would you rather have a mojito?
Hey, how did the visibility tests pan out?
The recording is at the station.
So?
Well, the neighbor insists
that if the girl had been there,
he would have seen her.
Let's just keep doing our jobs, okay?
And Rosario?
What time is her interrogation?
We all must exercise a little patience.
Let her feel the pressure.
Okay, then. First thing in the morning,
we'll visit the pharmacies
near their place
and find out if they bought sleeping pills
on the days the teacher mentioned. Hm?
Mm. All right.
- [door opens]
- [journalist talking on TV]
- [door closes]
- [keys jangling]
[journalist continues on TV]
- [girl] Grandpa!
- Hey!
What did I say about talking and eating?
Don't do it, right?
- [girl] We don't do that.
- We don't do that.
She was hungry
after she woke up. Huh, dear?
- That's what happens without a routine.
- Yeah.
[journalist 2 talking on TV]
- How's it going?
- [Ríos] Well
could be worse.
- But we're still the good guys.
- [girl playing with toy]
I'm speechless. With their money,
why would they do such a thing?
If you don't want a kid,
send her to boarding school in Sweden.
- [Ríos] Yeah.
- Right?
You know what time it is?
Where are we going?
- Hm? We go to bed! That's right.
- We go to bed.
No stories, singing,
dancing, anything like that.
[woman] Don't carry her,
she's too old for that.
- Yeah.
- Her mom's worried she'll get used to it.
Have you seen her mom?
Neither have I. Come on! Here we go.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
[clock ticking]
FOUR DAYS AFTER THE BODY WAS FOUND
[cell door rattling, opens]
[Turrientes] Good morning, Rosario.
Get up, we need to go.
Go where?
[Turrientes] They're searching the house
in Montouto, you have to be there.
[exasperated sigh] What, again?
Did they find anything?
- [Turrientes] Your hands, please.
- Huh?
Your hands. I need to cuff you first.
Oh. Excuse me.
- I'll stand up.
- Yeah, stand.
[handcuffs rattling]
[handcuffs fastening]
The search was ordered by Judge Malvar.
Mr. Basterra will be there too.
[Rosario groans]
[Turrientes] Let's go.
- [Ríos] Good morning. Civil Guard.
- [pharmacist] Good morning.
Please show me
your record of lorazepam purchases
in the last 12 months.
PHARMACY
- [pharmacist] Just a minute.
- [Ríos] Mm-hmm.
Here it is.
Is your request is it about that kid?
I'll ask the questions today, okay?
Would you give me something
for a headache, please?
- Yes, sure.
- Thanks.
One minute.
- Anything?
- [scientist] I have to write the report.
But we did a morphological
and comparative study
with the twine that was found in the house
and the one found next to the girl.
One on color
and one on the components of the plastic.
It's like analyzing the twine's DNA.
Can you cut to the chase already?
Is it the same twine then, or not?
Their physical and chemical composition
are the same,
but we can't prove a common origin.
Um, excuse me,
but are you saying they're different?
The cuts on the end of the twine
they found by the body
don't match the cuts on the twine
from the house in Montouto.
- But it could be the same one.
- But it "could" be the same?
With these types of rope
made with nylon strings
- Yeah.
- because of its composition,
after they're cut,
it's impossible to fit them together.
To make both ends match.
All right. Thank you very much then.
[message alert pings]
MIGUEL GONZÁLEZ - DRUG SCREENING
OPERATION WATER LILY
It's the pharmacological report
on the girl.
[cellphone ringing]
Yeah?
No, I just got it. Tell me.
Come on.
[sinister music playing]
It was three to four months?
Bye. Bye, thanks.
- [ends call]
- Unreal.
What does it say?
Cancel your plans for dinner.
[shutters clicking]
[reporter] Alfonso, how are you?
Are you involved?
Were you a part of the murder?
I'm just asking.
Tell us something.
Alfonso, did you know it was your ex-wife?
Are you innocent?
At least tell us that, Alfonso.
Are you innocent?
[tense music playing]
How's your ex-wife?
Initially, they considered the hypothesis
that your ex-wife could have done it,
and that you were helping
to cover up the murder.
And now you shake your head.
If it had been your ex-wife,
would you have covered for her?
Are you like that?
That's all we want to know.
I just think
the expression on your face is strange.
Alfonso, we understand
what you're going through,
we just want you to answer the question.
I'm confused by your expression.
You'll be ashamed you asked me that
when you watch this video.
[reporter] I'm just asking questions,
I don't mean to upset you.
I mean it. Listen to your questions
when you replay this video.
- I just asked if your ex-wife was
- No!
Excuse me, are you his lawyer?
We're not giving any statements.
I'm sorry, we're not saying anything.
Does your client plan on talking
to the police again?
- Is he thinking about accusing his wife
- [Rodrigo] Hey!
[reporter] We need a comment
for our viewers.
[Rodrigo] Alfonso!
[reporter] Nothing?
Well, thank you very much.
Don't worry, Alfonso.
This will pass.
You're not alone. Just stay calm.
Should we wait a moment?
We have to stay calm, right?
Then how about we stay fucking calm?
JANURAY 8, 2013
EIGHT AND A HALF MONTHS
BEFORE ASUNTA'S DEATH
[door opens]
[woman clears throat]
[door closes]
[footsteps]
[Rosario] You didn't leave to pick her up?
Alfon, have you checked the time?
[Alfonso exhales]
[Rosario] Alfon, what's wrong?
Vicente.
[Rosario] What?
[suspenseful music playing]
[Alfonso sighs] Vicente.
[Rosario] Who's Vicente?
My wife.
You won't say anything?
Well, of course not, huh?
[Rosario] Are you sure
this isn't just a misunderstanding?
What is? Your fucking emails?
Explain how I'm misunderstanding those.
Because I can't.
[Rosario] Did you read my emails?
You've broken my life.
You broke my life.
It's my right to privacy.
You have no right to do that, Alfon.
Your right to privacy?
You think you can turn this around
on me now?
Your rights? I'm stuck here all day,
taking care of the kid, of the house,
all of it! And you're fucking around!
Shh, keep your voice down,
they're going to hear you.
- Let them fucking hear! Let them!
- Honey, take it easy.
- [Alfonso] I don't have to do anything!
- Calm down.
Beat the fucking door, for fuck's sake!
- Calm down!
- I'm not calm, I'll never be calm.
You're scaring me, Alfon.
[Alfonso] Adulterer
What kind of vermin does this
to her family? Huh?
[sniffs]
In my face. My fucking face!
What are you saying?
Why not talk it over calmly?
What do you want to talk about, huh?
How he is in bed?
How you ridiculed me behind my back?
A married man
A married man, with a wife.
Expecting a child
It's repugnant. Repugnant.
What?
Did he fill your little holes
here in our house? Huh?
[Rosario] What?
- You answer me!
- [shakily] No.
No.
I didn't do anything here.
Not here, I swear.
Out of respect
for you and Asunta. [crying]
[grunts, sobs]
[reporters clamoring, shouting]
They're like flies.
[Rodrigo] It's better to have them
on our side, Alfonso.
- [reporters shouting questions]
- [guard] Get away from the car.
- [guard] Stop. Hey.
- Were you involved?
CIVIL GUARD
[reporter] We have a right to be here.
[reporters shouting] Rosario! Rosario!
[shutters clicking]
[reporters shouting indistinctly]
- [banging on police van]
- [reporters continue shouting]
[exhales]
Is she here?
- Show her that we trust her.
- I do trust her.
Why is she handcuffed?
Take it easy, Alfonso.
We're going to cooperate.
[Rodrigo] It's better for you
if we get this done quickly.
Careful with Malvar.
He'll try to trick you. Come on.
[Rodrigo] Rosario, they'll notify you
of the house search next.
[Malvar] Gentlemen!
We're looking for any evidence of drugs,
traces of drugs,
containers, prescriptions,
any kind of pill container, anything.
I expect you to turn the place inside out.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Rosario whimpers]
Are you okay?
It's hard.
You got your medication?
Listen, you two. No more whispers.
Separate them now.
[Rodrigo] This isn't easy, Your Honor.
What are these men looking for?
Haven't we suffered enough?
All the pain you've caused us.
I'd shut my mouth if I were you.
[cutlery rattling]
Is having her handcuffed really necessary?
She's mentally unwell.
Alfonso, let me talk.
Your Honor, could we please
make an exception? She won't run away.
When you're arrested
they put you in restraints.
Tell your client I have another pair.
[suspenseful music continues]
Remove her cuffs.
Let her change her clothes.
[Rosario] Really?
Well, well. Look who decided to show!
Where were you?
Your friend's all alone
in there without you.
She has no one to smoke with.
- [Cristina] And the judge?
- Inside.
[suspenseful music playing]
[music turns dramatic]
[Alfonso] Don't look at her.
- Relax, this is what we talked about.
- Don't look at that picture.
What picture?
This one?
That's crossing the line.
- Don't look at her picture!
- Alfonso, easy.
- Put it down! Don't touch it!
- I dare you to touch me!
- I dare you to touch me! See what happens!
- Don't touch it! [shouting]
Hey. Get ahold of yourself, Mr. Basterra,
or we'll arrest you! Understand?
Okay.
[Malvar] Let's get some fresh air.
[music fades]
[exhales]
What happened in there, Your Honor?
What happened?
We have them and they're scared.
We got the results
and they confirmed what we suspected.
They drugged her for three months, three!
They gave her lorazepam.
- What did the pharmacist say?
- Like you said.
I think we're onto something.
Each day before the girl was found groggy,
Alfonso bought lorazepam.
Guess who dropped her off those days,
confirmed by the girl's music teacher?
Uh-huh. It was Four eyes.
Birds of a feather.
It's time to arrest him.
But what about
the problem we have with the twine?
Because of the material, we can't prove
the cuts are from the same spool.
They have the same composition,
so it's a toss up.
It's impossible to rule it out.
I have an idea.
What if we put them in nearby cells
and hook the cells up with microphones?
There's something. Well done.
Do you know what psychiatrists say, Ríos?
You never really love an adopted child
like they're your own.
Well, I'm no psychiatrist,
but I am a father.
I don't think
that being adopted really matters.
People like having kids and making kids,
but then you have
to raise them too, into adults.
There's your motive for murder.
They had enough of parenting.
[Rodrigo] Talk about a legend.
Rosario's father was incredible.
He said the best time to face the judges
was first thing in the morning,
because as the day dragged on,
the judges would start to get hungry.
He said when they're hungry and upset
they give harsher sentences.
[lawyer] I guess judges are people too.
Even if it doesn't
feel that way sometimes. [chuckles]
[TV reporter 1] She appears relaxed,
any onlooker would notice her smile.
This is footage of Rosario Porto
recorded earlier from our film crew
during the search
of her family house in Teo.
A very unusual sight to see
for someone who just lost their daughter.
[TV reporter 2] It's surprising
to us all that this is her demeanor.
As an outside observer,
her behavior is bizarre and off-putting.
- It's hard to describe the feeling.
- [woman] Eat up, Sara.
[reporter 2] It turns your stomach.
Put it out.
Stay strong, Charo.
I'll get you out, you'll see. Don't worry.
Alfonso Basterra, you're under arrest
for possible involvement
in the death of your daughter,
Asunta Yong Fang Basterra Porto.
- It's okay.
- [Ríos] Give me your phone.
[Rodrigo] Do as they say, Alfonso.
[Rodrigo] Can I speak to him in private?
I'll do everything I can,
but this doesn't look good.
[quietly] Don't talk in the cells,
they'll probably be listening in.
- [Cristina] I need to cuff you.
- I didn't do anything.
I I didn't do anything.
[Ríos] You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will
be used against you in a court of law.
You have a right to an attorney.
If you can't afford an attorney
- [Alfonso] I didn't do anything.
- one will be appointed.
You may choose one person
to be informed of your arrest.
- [male voice on TV]
- [door opens, closes]
[Malvar] Pop?
I'm home
[voice on TV] In the distance,
a herd of gazelles stands.
The lion approaches,
hidden in the thick yellow grass
In case you were wondering.
Where's Romina?
[footsteps approach]
I'm sorry.
- What happened?
- I can't do this anymore.
I'm sorry, but I can't.
He argues about everything.
He insults me and calls me a thief.
He yelled in my face, and I froze.
I can't handle it.
- What if I hired someone to help you?
- No, no, no. I've hit my limit.
Your dad needs to have more hands-on care.
Like at a nursing home.
Well, Romina, that's my decision.
Don't you agree?
While you think about it,
you'll have to find someone else.
[keys jangling]
[Malvar] Yes, I know!
But there are four of us,
and I'm the only one looking after Dad!
No, no, no! Absolutely not. I said no!
Yeah, is that really all you have to say?
Very well.
Um, could you help me
while I look for someone else?
- Well, thanks for nothing.
- [ends call, throws cellphone]
[exhales]
[Ríos] This way.
Follow me.
[Alfonso scoffs] This is inhumane.
Well, I suggest you
get used to it, Alfonso.
[buzzer sounds]
[Rosario] I need water for my medication.
Yes, one second.
[buzzer continues]
[Alfonso] Keep your mind clear.
Don't think about anything or anyone.
That's the surest way to keep calm.
[Rosario] How can I not
think about our girl, Alfonso?
Shh. Shh.
No. That's not the mindset.
[Rosario] It's not fair, Alfonso.
It's not fair.
[Alfonso] I know it's not fair,
but they'll clear everything up.
[Rosario] Asunta's not coming back.
[Alfonso] What?
[Rosario] Asunta is not
coming back, Alfonso.
She's gone forever.
[Alfonso] I know, Charo. I know.
[Rosario] I hope they catch the person
who did this,
but what I really want is our girl back.
- [Alfonso] I know, honey. Calm down.
- I'm falling apart [crying]
[Alfonso] Try to rest your eyes, honey.
[Rosario] I can't sleep.
[Alfonso] I know.
- They'll catch the person who did this.
- What?
[Alfonso] Sooner or later,
they'll get who did this.
[Rosario] Of course they will.
[Alfonso] I have no doubt about it.
And tomorrow they might let us out
on probation, or something like that.
[Rosario] But there will be
a trial after that.
- [Alfonso] What?
- There will be a trial after that.
[Alfonso] Well, not if they find
the person who did this first.
They'll find him.
And there won't be a trial.
He'll go on trial, but we won't.
He'll spend his life in prison.
Don't talk about anything inappropriate,
these cells are mic'd.
I'm sorry?
[Alfonso]
Don't say anything inappropriate.
They're recording us.
Yes, but what could I say
that's inappropriate, Alfonso?
[Alfonso] No, I don't know. Nothing.
There's nothing you could say wrong.
But so far, you've seen how
they've twisted everything we do and say.
- You know?
- Okay.
[Alfonso] That's why I said it.
Get some rest and stay strong.
[Rosario] You didn't have time
to do that, did you?
[Alfonso] Huh?
- [Rosario] You didn't have time, right?
- No!
[suspenseful music playing]
[Alfonso] That's why
That's why we have to stay calm.
I love you and you love me.
[Rosario] That thing was very important.
But the problem with that is
They must have, I don't know
[Alfonso] Calm down. Calm down.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Rosario] Yes, but that horny imagination
of yours is going to get us in trouble.
Excuse me?
[Rosario] Your sex-filled imagination
is going to get us in a lot of trouble.
- Big trouble.
- [Alfonso] Quiet!
Based on a true story.
Parts are fictionalized
for privacy and narrative pace.
[serene instrumental music playing]