During the government-mandated lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, couples were suddenly forced to live in prolonged proximity, stripped of distractions, comforts, and financial stability. For many, this period exposed the hidden truths about their relationships.
This was the case of Juan Luis and Josefina. They had been married for four years—four seemingly blissful years that felt like an extended honeymoon. But everything changed when the pandemic forced them into isolation.
It started with minor arguments. For trivial, everyday reasons, Juan Luis would lose his temper and lash out, physically assaulting Josefina. The next day, he would reappear with a grand gesture—a bouquet of fragrant flowers, a box of chocolates, even a serenade. He would whisper, "Forgive me, I don't know what came over me. I swear it won't happen again."
Josefina, still deeply in love, always forgave him. She convinced herself it had just been a moment of weakness. But over the next two weeks, the same cycle repeated: violence followed by regret, apology, and forgiveness.
Then, the abuse worsened. Locked in their home with no escape and no visitors, the real Juan Luis began to emerge—no longer the charming man Josefina had fallen in love with at university, but a violent and controlling monster. He demanded absolute obedience. If Josefina failed to meet his expectations in the slightest way, he would punish her mercilessly.
Every mistake, real or imagined, was met with brutal retaliation. Josefina tried desperately to please him, but it was never enough. Juan Luis always found fault—always had a reason to release his fury. With every blow, Josefina felt herself drifting further from God and closer to hell. Her husband, once gentle and kind, now seemed to take pleasure in her suffering.
Throughout the lockdown, the abuse escalated into horror. Juan Luis beat her, humiliated her, spat on her, whipped her, electrocuted her, and raped her repeatedly. Sometimes it was punishment, other times it was "fun" or "sport," or simply because she hadn't obeyed a command to his satisfaction.
Each time, Josefina begged for mercy.
"Please, stop," she cried, her voice trembling with terror.
"I won't stop until you learn to obey," he growled, shocking her again.
"Why are you doing this? Please…" she sobbed.
"This is what you get for being so generous with men and neglecting your duties," he answered coldly as he whipped and raped her once more.
For four relentless days, locked away from the world, Juan Luis inflicted every form of cruelty on Josefina.
On the fifth day, suspecting she might be pregnant, he snapped completely. Without hesitation, he attacked her and mutilated her to death.
Realizing the consequences of what he had done, Juan Luis tried to cover up the crime. He doused the house in gasoline and struck a match. Flames engulfed the home almost instantly. By the time anyone could react, the fire had consumed everything—Juan Luis and Josefina perished in the inferno.