Google Street View image helps police unlock murder case
 

A Google Street View image of a man loading a large white plastic bag into the boot of his car has helped unravel a murder case in a northern Spanish town, police say.

The Google app allows users to see images of streets around the world - filmed by cars mounted with cameras.

It captured the exact moment the body of the victim was allegedly being removed.

Two people were arrested last month, accused of being responsible for the disappearance and murder of a man in October last year. His dismembered remains were found in a cemetery last week.

This was the first time in 15 years that the Google car had been to the town of Tajueco, in the northern province of Soria.

Officials say another photo sequence shows the blurred silhouette of someone transporting a large white bundle in a wheelbarrow.

However, police said the images were not "decisive" in solving the case.

The male victim, said by El Pais newspaper to be a 33-year-old Cuban national, was reported missing in October 2023 after a relative received text messages from the victim's phone which he found suspicious.

The relative told police they said the victim had met a woman, was leaving Spain and would be getting rid of his phone.

On 12 November this year, police arrested a woman said to be the missing man's partner and a man said to be her ex-partner.

Earlier this month, a severely decomposed torso, thought to be the victim's, was dug up in a nearby cemetery.

The accused have been remanded in custody and the investigation continues.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyxdxrm339o

Comprehension

What helped police in Spain unravel the murder case?
What feature of Google helped capture images related to the case?
What was seen in the Google Street View image that raised suspicions?
Where were the victim’s remains found?
How long had it been since the Google car last visited the town of Tajueco?
Who were arrested in connection with the murder case?
What suspicious text messages were sent from the victim’s phone?
What did police say about the role of the Google images in solving the case?

Discussion

Do you think technology like Google Street View can help in solving crimes? Why or why not?
How would you feel about having cameras in public spaces to improve safety?
Should tech companies share data with police to help with investigations? Why?
What privacy concerns could arise from tools like Google Street View?
Do you think finding evidence on the internet or apps is reliable? Why?
How can communities balance privacy and public safety?
Have you ever used Google Street View? If yes, what did you use it for?
What other technologies can help solve crimes?
Why is it important to verify evidence from technology before using it in a case?
How should police use technology to improve investigations?

Vocabulary

Unravel - To solve or explain something that is complex.
Mounted - Fixed on or attached to something.
Dismembered - Cut into pieces.
Cemetery - A place where dead people are buried.
Silhouette - The dark shape or outline of someone or something.
Decisive - Clear and final in resolving something.
Suspicious - Causing a feeling that something is wrong or dishonest.
Remanded - Sent back into custody while awaiting trial or further action.