Tribute planned for Gabriel at Almeria’s ‘La Ballena’

0
REMEMBERED: A mourner pays her respects to Gabriel Cruz at 'La Ballena' in Almeria ©Twitter/@cristo8444 & Twitter @montisi37392466

FIFTY-FOUR days since the tragic death of Gabriel Cruz struck the nation, Almeria’s mayor is proposing an ornamental tribute to the boy affectionately known as ‘pescaito’ (little fish).

The mayor has proposed a fountain and memorial space at the end of the Rambla boulevard known as La Ballena (the whale).

It was a key site for families gathering to mourn the 8-year-old in the days following his death.

The 8-year-old was allegedly murdered by his father´s girlfriend – Ana Julia Quezada – on February 27, who is now in prison.

She was arrested after police found the boy´s body in the boot of her car ending the long search on March 12.

In a letter from jail she apologized to the boy´s parents and claimed his death was a heat-of-the-moment accident.

The suspect is yet to be sentenced for the alleged murder.

Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, the province´s mayor, will first ask Gabriel´s parents – Angel Cruz y Patricia Ramírez – before going ahead with the proposal which may coincide with the remodeling La Ballena.

“Maximum respect” and sensitivity will be paid to the parents in the process of inaugurating the fountain, said PP official – Miguel Ángel Castellón – on behalf of the mayor.

The Town Hall wants the testimony to reflect to the parents’ “will” and the “location and type” of the tribute must be agreed together, he added.

Another location reportedly being considered to honour the boy is the coastal promenade. Many Almeria residents also gathered there in solidarity with the parent´s pain.

Other towns across Spain have remembered the boy known for his love of fish with fixed dedications, including at aquariums in Seville and Almuñecar.