The night of December 15, 1992, was a memorable one in the city of Puerto de la Cruz. The usual calm was disrupted by the unexpected murder of Manuel Cabrera Mesa, affectionately known as Manolito ‘the postman’ or Manolito El Chico. His tragic death left the entire city devastated, still seeking answers and hoping for justice to be served.
Investigative journalist Gregorio Dorta, in his latest book, raises the question: Who was behind the postman’s murder? Gregorio had a close bond with the victim, leading him to pay this tribute.
The city that night hosted two significant events that the murderer exploited to his advantage. A friendly football match between CD Tenerife and Milan took place at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, while a general workers’ strike reduced the number of employees at the office where Manolito worked as the janitor. With only two witnesses present at the time, Manuel and Antonio, the aftermath of that fateful night still lingers, according to Gregorio.
During that period, the tourist city was known for its tranquillity and high security levels. Therefore, when Manolito heard noises and intervened, he was caught off guard. He found his colleagues tied up on the floor, leading to a struggle that ended tragically with Manolito being shot.
Gregorio Dorta recounts the dramatic events, explaining, “It was a surprise for both Manolito and the assailant when he intervened. As he tried to restrain the criminal, the gun accidentally fired, grazing the other man’s hair.” This incident led to a series of unfortunate events where Manolito was fatally shot despite his belief that the bullets were blanks.
Following the incident, Manolito was rushed to the Tamaragua clinic, accompanied by a local police officer. Gregorio shares a poignant moment where Manolito tried to reveal the identity of his attacker before succumbing to his injuries during the journey to the hospital.
Describing his friend, Gregorio paints a picture of Manolito as a warm, sociable, and helpful individual, known to everyone in the community. Their shared love for football further strengthened their bond, as they often met during matches, sharing laughs and camaraderie.
Gregorio, then head of Sports at Radio 21-Onda Cero, was broadcasting a football match when he received the shocking news of the incident. The realization of Manolito’s identity as the victim left him deeply disturbed, reflecting on the tragic loss.
The unresolved case and its impact became a personal struggle for Gregorio, who felt a weight lifted off his shoulders when he published the book as a tribute to his late friend. The painstaking investigation spanned over three years, delving into various sources and encountering obstacles along the way, yet his determination never wavered.
Reflecting on the suspects involved, Gregorio hints at his own theory without directly implicating anyone, acknowledging the lapse in the investigation that failed to provide conclusive evidence. Despite the passage of time and the case being legally closed, the quest for justice and closure remains an enduring motif in this tragic tale.
Three and a half years of meticulous research
The in-depth research process spanning three and a half years involved engaging with diverse sources related to the crime and the victim, including law enforcement, legal experts, witnesses, and the victim’s family. Gregorio’s dedication to uncovering the truth led him to explore the realm of crime fiction, equipping him with new perspectives on criminal investigations.
He highlights the unique challenges posed by such a case in a close-knit community where multiple narratives and leads intersect, complicating the pursuit of justice. As the narrative unfolds, Gregorio contemplates the unlikely scenario of the perpetrator coming forward after all these years, underscoring the complexity of closure and redemption in the aftermath of a heinous crime.
