Google Maps Street View
Google Street View footage led to murder arrests. 1 A couple was detained after human remains were found in a Spanish cemetery. X / Ultimora.net @ultimoranet

A Spanish bar owner, nicknamed 'The Wolf of Tayueco', has been arrested after Google Street View images allegedly captured him loading white plastic bags, believed to contain human remains, into the boot of a car.

This discovery led to the arrest of both the man and his lover, the wife of the victim, following the grim uncovering of a dismembered body in a cemetery in Andaluz, Spain.

Google Maps Captures Shocking Evidence

The investigation into the disappearance of a 33-year-old Cuban man took an unexpected turn when authorities reviewed images from Google Street View.

These images showed a man in jeans and a jumper placing large plastic bags into the boot of a red car near the cemetery where the victim's remains were later uncovered.

According to Metro, the victim had travelled from Cuba to visit his wife, only to discover her affair with another man. This tragic visit culminated in his disappearance in November last year, prompting a year-long investigation.

Discovery of Human Remains

Spanish National Police confirmed that part of the victim's remains were found buried in a cemetery in Soria, Andaluz.

Advanced forensic techniques were employed to identify the body. While formal identification is still pending, police strongly believe the remains belong to the missing Cuban man.

A spokesperson for the Spanish National Police stated: 'National Police officers have detained two people allegedly involved in the disappearance and death of a man who was reported missing in November last year by a relative. Part of the victim's remains have been found buried in a cemetery in Andaluz in Soria using advanced techniques.'

Suspicious Messages Spark Investigation

The victim's family became suspicious after receiving text messages purportedly sent by him, claiming he had met a new woman and was discarding his mobile phone.

The family, unconvinced by the authenticity of the messages, alerted authorities, suspecting foul play.

The police spokesperson added: 'The messages the missing man's family received said he met a girl and was getting rid of his telephone. This made the relative suspect someone else was sending the messages, and that led to him alerting police.'

Arrests and Key Evidence

The police detained the victim's wife and her lover on suspicion of unlawful detention after the pair failed to provide satisfactory explanations for his disappearance. Searches of their homes and vehicles uncovered further evidence linking them to the crime.

'Searches of the pair's homes and vehicles were subsequently authorised by police, where evidence relevant to the investigation was uncovered,' the spokesperson stated.

'The online image, showing a vehicle that could have been used in the course of the crime, was an additional piece of evidence.'

The man captured in the Google Street View images, referred to as 'The Wolf of Tayueco', was arrested near the cemetery where the dismembered remains were discovered. Police suspect he and the victim's wife conspired to carry out the gruesome act.

Public Outrage and Investigation Updates

The shocking role of Google Street View in uncovering evidence has drawn widespread attention. While forensic experts work to confirm the victim's identity, authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to his death.

This case highlights how technology, initially designed for navigation and exploration, can unintentionally aid in solving crimes. While Google Street View provided critical evidence in this case, other tech companies are also innovating their mapping tools.

For instance, PCMag reports that Apple is working to expand its own mapping capabilities with a feature called Apple Look Around, designed to rival Google's offering. While still in its infancy, such technology could similarly play an unforeseen role in future investigations.