Spain transfers its most prolific serial killer—a man convicted of murdering 11 elderly women—into a women’s prison solely based on his self-declared gender identity, raising alarms over female inmate safety.
Story Snapshot
- Joan Vila Dilmé, dubbed the “Angel of Death,” killed 11 elderly residents at a Girona nursing home in 2009-2010 and received a 127-year sentence in 2013.
- Now identifying as “Aida” or “Aura,” the 60-year-old has completed over a year of therapy and moved to the women’s module at Puig de les Basses Prison in Figueres.
- Catalan authorities approved the transfer via expert panels, with public-funded surgery pending, despite no sentence reduction.
- The case fuels debates on prioritizing gender self-identification over biological reality and women’s security in prisons.
Crime and Conviction
Joan Vila Dilmé, born in 1965, worked as a nursing assistant at a care home in Olot, Girona. Between 2009 and 2010, he murdered 11 elderly residents, earning the moniker “Angel of Death” or “Olot Caretaker.” Spanish courts sentenced him to 127 years in prison in 2013, reflecting the gravity of his aggravated murders. This century marks him as Spain’s most prolific serial killer, preying on vulnerable women in his care.
Transition Process and Prison Protocols
After 16 years in strict detention, Vila requested gender transition support around 2024-2025. Medical and psychological teams provided over a year of therapy, supported by feminist organizations. A specialist working group assessed risks before approving his transfer to the women’s unit at Puig de les Basses Prison in Figueres, Catalonia. Courts denied any leniency or leave, upholding his full sentence.
Current Status in Women’s Module
In early 2026, Vila—now presenting as Aida or Aura with updated clothing and appearance—completed adaptation in an isolation unit before full integration into the women’s wing. Prison officials confirm ongoing supervision, deeming the transition stable. Surgical intervention awaits via public health services, separate from prison facilities. Catalan Justice Department treats the case as routine under national protocols emphasizing individual evaluations.
Spain’s post-2010s guidelines prioritize gender self-determination with expert oversight, differing from more rigid systems elsewhere. Catalonia leads in such transfers amid EU debates on prison policies.
Spain moves trans serial killer to women's prisonhttps://t.co/gZgoaETq4C
— Human Events (@HumanEvents) April 16, 2026
Safety Concerns and Broader Implications
Female inmates face heightened risks from housing a violent male-bodied offender in their module, prioritizing identity over biology. Critics question if self-identification alone justifies such placements for dangerous criminals, potentially endangering women. The trans community risks stigma, while staff manage added burdens. Short-term tensions test policies; long-term, incidents could prompt tighter regulations balancing rights and security.
Socially divisive, the case amplifies gender ideology debates across Europe. Politically, it pressures Spanish justice systems amid human rights standards. Precedents like a 2025 Madrid case highlight recurring controversies, echoing international concerns over protecting vulnerable prisoners.
Sources:
Convicted murderer begins gender transition in Spanish prison
SSRN Paper on Transgender Inmates in Spanish Prisons
