Man arrested after allegedly killing ex-girlfriend in Tenerife
A 57-year-old woman has been killed in Santa Úrsula, in the north of Tenerife, in what the Guardia Civil is investigating as a suspected case of domestic violence. A man believed to be her former partner was arrested just hours after the attack.
The incident happened at around 3:30am today (Wednesday) near the victim’s home on Calle Lomo Hilo. Early reports indicate the woman died after being stabbed with a knife.
Local authorities confirmed the victim and the suspect had separated around two weeks ago. Officials also said the woman was not registered in the Viogen system, Spain’s national protection programme for victims of gender-based violence.
During the attack, the victim’s mother was also injured and remains in hospital awaiting surgery. Santa Úrsula mayor Juan Manuel Acosta said the woman’s brother may also have been targeted.
Neighbours reportedly alerted emergency services after hearing loud screams during the night. Police officers quickly arrived and detained the suspect shortly afterwards.
Investigators are continuing to examine the exact circumstances surrounding the killing, including the recent relationship status of the couple and whether they had still been living together.
If officially confirmed as a gender violence crime, this would become the third fatal case recorded in the Canary Islands so far this year. Previous incidents in 2026 included the killing of a woman in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in January and a violent attack in south Tenerife in February in which a man killed his son and seriously injured his partner.
The Santa Úrsula Town Hall has declared official mourning and cancelled all public events planned for today and tomorrow. A minute’s silence has also been scheduled outside the Town Hall at midday on Thursday.
Local authorities have urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information or images relating to the case out of respect for the victim’s family.
Support services for victims of domestic violence remain available 24 hours a day in Spain through the 016 helpline, which is free and confidential. In emergencies, people should call 112, the National Police on 091, or the Guardia Civil on 062.
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