Disappearance and search
Mari Luz Cortés disappeared on January 13, 2008, after leaving her family's home in Huelva. Her disappearance prompted an intensive search and national attention. Her body was recovered weeks later.
The investigation focused on Santiago del Valle, a man living nearby who had prior convictions for sexual offenses. The later trial examined both his conduct and the role of his sister Rosa del Valle.
The criminal case
The Audiencia Provincial de Huelva convicted Santiago del Valle of murder and sexual abuse. It imposed 19 years for murder and three years for the sexual offense, producing a 22-year total.
Rosa del Valle was convicted as an accomplice to the murder and received nine years. The trial did not place the two defendants in identical legal roles, and this archive preserves that distinction.
Supreme Court review
The defendants appealed. In November 2011, Spain's Supreme Court rejected the challenges and confirmed the sentences imposed by the Huelva court.
The Supreme Court's published judgment, case 1190/2011, left Santiago del Valle's 22-year sentence and Rosa del Valle's nine-year sentence in place. The Court also discussed whether the facts could have supported more serious classifications, but it could not increase the penalties in the procedural posture before it.
Related false testimony case
In a separate later proceeding, Santiago del Valle's wife was convicted of false testimony after accusing Rosa del Valle of having committed the kidnapping and killing. That conviction is separate from the murder judgment and is not used here to change the roles established in the Supreme Court's final criminal decision.
Timeline
January 13, 2008: Mari Luz disappears from her neighborhood in Huelva.
2008: the investigation identifies Santiago del Valle as the principal suspect.
March 18, 2011: the Audiencia Provincial de Huelva convicts Santiago and Rosa del Valle.
November 10, 2011: the Supreme Court issues judgment 1190/2011, rejecting the appeals and confirming the sentences.
May 2013: a separate court convicts Santiago del Valle's wife of false testimony related to the murder trial.
Current status
The case is classified as Solved / Adjudicated. The final controlling murder judgment confirmed Santiago del Valle's responsibility for murder and sexual abuse and Rosa del Valle's responsibility as an accomplice to the murder. Those distinct legal roles are preserved in this file.