The Playing Card Killer Who Gripped Spain

Galán committed six murders and several attempted murders between January and March 2003 in and around the Spanish capital, Madrid. His crimes were marked by a macabre pattern: he left a playing card next to each of his victims, earning him the nickname "Playing Card Killer". This unusual method not only caused great dismay among law enforcement but also captured the public's attention.

The Left-Behind Playing Cards
The playing cards left by Galán were different cards from a deck. For instance, he left a Six of Swords or a Two of Cups at a crime scene. This cryptic signature apparently served no other purpose than to puzzle the police and the public. There was no recognizable connection between the type of card and the victim or the motive for the murder.

Journey to Becoming a Serial Killer
Alfredo Galán joined the Spanish army in 1999 and served as a soldier in the Spanish exclave of Melilla in North Africa as well as in Kosovo. During his time in Kosovo, Galán acquired a Tokarev TT-33, a semi-automatic pistol of Soviet origin, which he later used for his murder series in Spain.

The Victims
Galán's victims appeared to be randomly selected, making his actions even more disturbing. He killed six people, including three women and three men. The murders were not confined to a specific location but occurred in various places, including the victims' apartments, public spaces, and a bar. His first known victim was the security guard of a shopping center. The subsequent victims had no discernible connection to each other or to Galán.

Discovery and Arrest
In July 2003, Alfredo Galán turned himself in to the police after previously boasting about the murders in his hometown of Puertollano. Thus, his discovery and arrest were a direct result of his own confession to his fellow citizens and the authorities.

Conviction and Imprisonment
Following his arrest, Galán was sentenced to 142 years in prison. This lengthy sentence reflects the severity and number of crimes he committed. However, it's important to note that in the Spanish legal system, despite lengthy sentences, the actual time served can be limited to a maximum of 30 years due to legal provisions.

The crimes of Alfredo Galán deeply shocked Spanish society and left many questions regarding his motives unanswered. To this day, the reasons for his brutal acts, the selection of his victims, and the significance of the left-behind playing cards remain largely in the dark.