Murder trial opens in Palma

THE trial has opened in Palma of Alberto López Rodríguez, accused of killing his girl friend, Sandra Martínez, 22, at their home near Cala Gamba, in Coll den Rebassa, in January last year. He is alleged to have strangled her with a pillowslip and battered her with a hammer, after allegedly consuming alcohol and drugs purchased with money stolen from his parents. López told the court that he tried to commit suicide by slashing his wrists and jumping off Sa Riera, but both bids failed. He said he then returned home and locked himself in the bedroom until the following day when his mother found the body and called the police. The prosecution is seeking an 18 year jail sentence, the defence two and a half years, alleging drug addiction, fit of rage and confession.