The Mystery That Took Over a Tiny Spanish Village

In the remote village of Tor, nestled high in the Pyrenees, a decades-old murder has cast a long shadow.

A Brutal Murder

The victim, Josep Montané, known as Sansa, was found dead in 1995, his body bearing signs of a brutal attack. The case remains unsolved, and the tiny community of 13 houses has become an unwilling star in the true-crime world.

A History of Violence

The murder of Sansa is not the only dark spot in Tor's history. It's the third killing in just 15 years, adding to the village's eerie reputation.

True-Crime Fame

The case gained traction when a journalist, Carles Porta, turned it into a multimedia project, including a book, a podcast, and a documentary series. Porta's work has put Tor on the map, but not in the way the locals might have hoped.

A Picturesque Setting

Tor's picturesque setting, with its brown cows and mountain streams, contrasts sharply with the grim details of Sansa's murder. An electric cable was found around his neck, and his body was discovered in a decomposed state. The investigation was hampered by the filthy condition of his kitchen, making it difficult to find clues.

A Deep-Rooted Tension

The tension in Tor runs deep, rooted in a dispute over the ownership of the mountain that towers above the village. Sansa had envisioned a ski resort on the slopes, while his rival, known as El Palanca, wanted to preserve the mountain's natural state. The conflict escalated over a decade, culminating in a court decision that awarded Sansa sole ownership of the mountain. Five months later, he was dead.

The Impact on the Village

The murder has had a profound impact on the village. Merce Turallols, who works at her family's hotel, recalls the police's lack of interest in solving the crime. Instead, they seemed more focused on the food served by her aunt, Pilar Tomàs.

True-Crime Tourism

The true-crime tourism that followed has brought both benefits and headaches to the village. While it has boosted business, it has also brought eccentric visitors and overcrowding.

A Dark History

Local tour guide Antonio Zamorano offers insights into the village's dark history, pointing out grim landmarks and sharing theories about the murder. He also highlights the village's role as a smuggling thoroughfare, adding another layer of intrigue to Tor's story.

The Lasting Mark

The murder has left a lasting mark on the village, overshadowing any potential economic opportunities. Joan Clotet, an executive from a nearby ski resort, laments that the murder has dashed hopes for development in Tor.

The Search for Answers

Meanwhile, journalist Carles Porta continues to pursue the story, believing that new clues point to a hit man living in Miami.

A Village Torn

The locals are torn between the benefits of true-crime tourism and the desire for a return to normalcy. Pilar Tomàs expresses a wish for the case to be solved, but also acknowledges the unlikelyhood of it happening. As she walks past sleeping dogs, she jokes that she's not the killer, but the mystery remains unsolved.