Netflix’s latest crime docuseries The Playing Card Killer (Baraja: La firma del asesino) brings the terrifying case that caught all of Spain in shock. Directed by Amanda Sans Pantling, the series is based on the brutal serial killings in Madrid in 2003. The 3 episodes docuseries is produced by Cuarzo Producciones (Banijay Iberia), and Marga Luis is the Executive Producer.
The crime docuseries brought the events that took place in the early 2000s in Spain as the notorious serial killer brought tragedy to many and a bigger shock after his capture. Alfredo Galán Sotillo also known as the playing card killer, may not have been present in the series, however, the havoc he created is retold by those involved.
The docuseries brings a series of interviews wherein the victims, families of victims, journalists, investigators, and others involved recall those terrifying days. Along with archived footage, dramatic representation and so on, this series is one that you cannot miss if you are someone who binge-watches crime docuseries.
Meanwhile, we are left wondering who is this man and what really happened in 2003 Spain. Thus, we have brought the answers to your questions right here and bring an insight into what really happened to Alfredo Galán Sotillo.
Also Read: Will Netflix’s Human Resources Get a Third Season? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
Who is Alfredo Galán Sotillo?
Alfredo Galán Sotillo was a young man who grew up without much parental guidance following the death of his mother and his father’s negligence due to work. He later joined the Spanish Army where he was first based in Madrid before being deployed to Bosnia. There he managed to smuggle a pistol which later became the weapon for the terror he created.
Later, he was discharged from the army after receiving his mental health diagnosis according to which he was being treated for anxiety and neurosis. This led to abuse of medication which he began mixing with alcohol.
The Playing Card Killer
Alfredo Galán Sotillo committed his first murder in the January of 2003, however, this was termed as a robbery gone wrong by the police. The second murder was committed in the following month, but this time Alfredo dropped an Ace of Cups card which brought forth the name of the playing card killer. Following this, Alfredo went on to kill 4 other people and wounded 3 people while dropping a playing card next to each victim.
Where is The Playing Card Killer Now?
Following his surrender and confession of his crimes, Alfredo was sentenced to 143 years in prison by the Spanish court. While he prison, he published a novel under a different name about a bullied teenage gay boy in school. Later, Alfredo and his family refused to feature in the docuseries The Playing Card Killer which is mentioned at the end of the series.
Alfredo Galán Sotillo is currently 45 years old and will be released from prison in 2028 after serving 25 years in prison.
Watch The Playing Card Killer Trailer
The crime documentary series is now streaming on Netflix.
Have you watched the documentary? Do let us know your thoughts on it in the comments section below.
Also Read: The Playing Card Killer Review: Serial Killer That Terrified Madrid