Tragic Machete Attack in Tenerife Village Leaves Community in Shock
In a devastating incident that has rocked the peaceful village of Cabo Blanco in Tenerife, a 10-year-old boy was hacked to death and his mother left fighting for her life after an alleged machete attack by the child's father. The suspect, described by authorities as "extremely violent," was subsequently shot dead by police officers who responded to the scene in the early hours of Friday, February 20, 2026.
Police Confrontation and Fatal Shooting
Local police and the Civil Guard were called to a residence in Cabo Blanco, a small village near the popular tourist resort of Los Cristianos, at approximately 1 a.m. following multiple reports of an armed individual inside a home. Upon arrival, officers encountered a standoff with the suspect, who then attacked a Civil Guard officer with a machete. In response, police were forced to use their service weapons, shooting the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The injured officer was transported to a hospital, where he remains hospitalized and awaiting surgery. Initial reports indicate his life is not in danger, but the severity of the attack underscores the violent nature of the confrontation.
Grisly Discovery Inside the Residence
After neutralizing the threat, emergency services entered the property and discovered a horrific scene. The lifeless body of the 10-year-old boy was found inside, with evidence suggesting he had been hacked to death. His mother, believed to be in her 30s, was found with severe injuries to her arms and legs, inflicted by the same weapon. Arona Local Police applied a tourniquet due to the severity of her wounds, and she remains in critical condition, fighting for her life in hospital.
Investigation and Community Response
The investigation is currently underway, with authorities considering the possibility of a gender violence case. According to judicial records from the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands, there were no prior complaints or criminal records against the suspect, adding a layer of complexity to the probe.
Mayor of Arona, Fátima Lemes, confirmed the event in statements to Canarias Radio, expressing shock and sorrow over the incident. Residents of Cabo Blanco, typically a tranquil area, have been deeply affected by the alarming violence, which has cast a shadow over the community.
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and support in cases of domestic violence, even in seemingly idyllic settings. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on supporting the victims and understanding the full circumstances behind this heartbreaking attack.
