Hidden Horrors: The Tale of Carlos's Captivity"

In  December 2015, authorities stumbled upon a distressing scene as they uncovered a 59-year-old man who had been subjected to deplorable conditions within a cramped dovecot, barely exceeding an area of 10 square feet.

In December 2015, a harrowing discovery was made in the Dos Hermanas neighborhood of Seville, Spain. Police uncovered a distressing scene where a 59-year-old man was found naked, trapped in a minuscule enclosure. The confined space lacked a roof, and the man was discovered lying on a squalid mattress placed in one corner. To cope with the absence of bathroom facilities, he had resorted to using bottles and buckets, as reported by the authorities.

It is unclear for how long the man had been trapped in the dovecot, a small space typically used for housing pigeons or doves. However, records showed that he had not been seen by doctors or anyone else since 1996.

The police found the man when they were escorting his 76-year-old brother back home after receiving complaints about his drunken and disorderly behavior in a public place. As they entered the house together, they noticed a door at the end of a hallway that was sealed with a chain and padlock.

When questioned about the room, the intoxicated man claimed that his brother was being kept there due to his mental health issues. He explained that he and his sister had confined him for his own safety. However, the police deemed it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation. 

The man's 61-year-old sister objected, stating that such measures were unnecessary. She assured the police that she took care of his hygiene, provided him with meals, and managed his pension, which amounted to approximately €1,000 (equivalent to around $1,100 in US currency).

The police asked for permission to enter the room and check on the man's well-being. They found an unlocked door leading to a small entrance, followed by another door blocked with a wooden beam. After opening the second door, they discovered a worn-out staircase. They climbed these stairs and reached the top, where they encountered the man in the dirty room resembling a dovecot. One of the policemen described the scene in the following way:
 

“His health and hygiene were deplorable, and conditions of the place were completely unsanitary with no access to running water or toilets.”

The brother and sister had been relying on Carlos's pension, which he had been receiving since a young age. Carlos had sustained a severe brain injury from being run over in an accident, resulting in long-term damage. Before being confined, he used to be a familiar presence in Dos Hermanas. People in the neighborhood recognized him by his distinctive way of walking, influenced by the accident, and he was often seen with a cigarette held between his lips.

Despite not causing any trouble, Carlos was a familiar face in town, often seen walking around. However, one day he suddenly vanished. A local resident informed the police that they had noticed his absence, and Carlos's siblings had been telling people that he had been placed in long-term care. It is suspected that at this point, his siblings locked him up in the dovecot to gain control over his pension, as they did not have any other means of support.

After the man was found, he was immediately transported to Vírgen de Valme Hospital. The hospital records showed that he had not received any medical treatment since 1996. A medical examination uncovered various infections caused by poor hygiene and extreme malnutrition.

The brother and sister were arrested on charges of abuse and unlawful confinement. Although they were later released, they decided not to return to their previous home due to the strong public condemnation from neighbors and locals regarding their actions. It is unknown where they have relocated or whether they are still alive.

As for Carlos, his current whereabouts and well-being remain uncertain after his rescue. We can only hope that he is receiving the necessary care and support after enduring years of trauma at the hands of individuals who should have shown him compassion.