Jonathan Andic, son of Mango founder Isak Andic, faces a homicide investigation following his father's death in Collbató on 14 December 2024. An investigating judge ordered his imprisonment, later commutable by a €1 million bail, based on a "cluster of circumstantial evidence." No direct proof links Jonathan Andic to the homicide. The Barcelona Court will now decide on his appeal against these measures.

The judge's order included the confiscation of Jonathan Andic's passport. This prevents him from leaving Spain. He must also make regular court appearances. Prosecutor Teresa Yoldi argued for maintaining these measures. She cited a flight risk due to the "investigated person's high economic capacity." Ms Yoldi also stated that evidence collected by the Mossos d'Esquadra contradicts Jonathan's account. He claims his father's fall was accidental. The incident occurred while they walked on a path in Collbató. Isak Andic died after falling approximately 100 metres.

Circumstantial Evidence and Financial Motive

Prosecutor Yoldi highlighted several pieces of circumstantial evidence. These include Jonathan Andic's alleged contradictions in statements to the police. His geolocation data also forms part of the evidence. Furthermore, WhatsApp conversations between father and son were recovered from the businessman's phone. These messages led the magistrate to suggest a possible financial motive for the death. Jonathan's lawyers deny these contradictions. The defence also points to images of a previous stumble by Isak Andic. An expert report from the Método 3 agency, signed by Francisco Marco, supports the defence. This report aims to show the Collbató incident was an accident. It also states the Mango founder suffered from arthritis in both knees.

Elite Police Unit Joins Investigation

Judge Raquel Nieto Galván has authorised the involvement of the Mossos d'Esquadra's Central Unit for Missing Persons (UCPD). This unit specialises in circumstantial evidence. They also resolve crimes without bodies. Prosecutor Yoldi requested their inclusion to strengthen the case. Sergeant Pere Sànchez commands the UCPD. Judge Nieto Galván noted the unit "is accustomed to handling investigations based on circumstantial evidence from a technical-operational perspective." The judge wants to determine if anyone else was on the path with Jonathan and Isak Andic on the day of the fall.

UCPD's Track Record in Complex Cases

The UCPD started its work in 2010 with the Ramón Laso case. Sergeant Sànchez previously explained that proving Laso's guilt was difficult. There was no direct evidence, despite suspicions. The unit successfully resolved the case. A popular jury declared Laso guilty in 2014. This marked a significant achievement in Spain. It was the first conviction for a homicide without a body, biological remains, a crime scene, or witnesses. The Supreme Court later confirmed his 30-year prison sentence. The UCPD has also solved other similar cases. These include the deaths of Piedad Moya and Diego Vargas. In both instances, their killers were convicted despite no direct evidence or bodies. Prosecutor Teresa Yoldi also served as the special prosecutor in these jury court cases.

The Role of Jury Courts in Spain

In Spain, a jury court handles homicide and murder trials. This court consists of nine lay citizens and one magistrate. The citizens decide if the accused is guilty or not. The magistrate then sets the sentence in the final judgment. This legal framework shapes the investigation into Isak Andic's death. The defence is also engaging in public opinion efforts. They aim to counter the circumstantial evidence presented by the investigating judge. No witnesses, apart from Jonathan himself, saw the event. There are also no images of the fall.

Defence Challenges Circumstantial Claims

The investigating judge cited other circumstantial evidence. These include Jonathan's alleged previous visits to the incident area. She also noted his claim that his mobile phone was stolen in Quito, Ecuador. This theft reportedly occurred around the same time he learned the investigation into his father's death was reopening. Circumstantial evidence requires multiple pieces of evidence. These must interweave to support both the accusation and a potential conviction. Isolated pieces are not enough. The link between them must be precise and consistent. It must also rule out any other reasonable explanation for the event.

What Happens Next

The Barcelona Court will now review Jonathan Andic's appeal. They will decide whether to uphold or overturn the investigating judge's resolution. This resolution includes the bail conditions and other precautionary measures. The investigation continues to gather and link circumstantial evidence. This case highlights the challenges of proving homicide when direct evidence is absent.

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Originally published by ABC Cataluña. Read original article.