- The Bizkaia Court sentences Nelson D.M.B. to 19 years in prison for the murder of a gay man in Bilbao in September 2021.
- The court applies the aggravating factor of discrimination based on sexual orientation to all the crimes: he acted “driven by a prejudice against his sexual orientation”.
- With this sentence, which is final, he now has five convictions for homicide or murder, one of them in an attempted degree.
The case of the crimes against gay men in Bilbao adds a new chapter. The Bizkaia Court has sentenced Nelson D.M.B. to 19 years in prison on October 16, 2026 for killing a homosexual man he met on a dating app, with the aggravating factor of discrimination based on sexual orientation.
What has the Bizkaia Court decided?
The Bizkaia Court imposes 19 years in prison for three crimes, all with the aggravating factor of discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The sentence includes 13 years for homicide, 4 years and 3 months for robbery with violence in a dwelling, and 1 year and 9 months for fraud for fraudulent use of a card, in this last case also with the aggravating factor of recidivism.
The sentence was pronounced “in voce” in a hearing behind closed doors, in which the accused confirmed an agreement of conformity with the private prosecution, the public prosecution, the defense, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. All parties waived their right to appeal, so the resolution is final.
What happened on September 2, 2021?
The convicted contacted the victim through a dating app and went to his house under the pretext of a sexual encounter. According to the sentence, his “real purpose” was to end his life and take his belongings.
The victim died from respiratory failure, with no determination of the method or means used. Afterwards, the convicted made several transfers from the victim’s bank account to his own and sold items he took from the house, totaling 1,309 euros.
The court establishes that he acted “driven by a prejudice against his sexual orientation”. Therefore, the aggravating factor of discrimination applies to all crimes.
How many convictions does he already have?
With this sentence, Nelson D.M.B. accumulates five convictions for homicide or murder, one of them in an attempted degree. According to published information, all refer to men he met through dating apps for gay men.
In addition to the prison sentence, he must compensate 15,000 euros to each of the eight siblings of the victim for moral damages and 1,309 euros to his heirs.
Why the aggravating factor matters
This case is one of the most serious cases of LGBTIfobic violence judged in Spain in recent years. That justice expressly recognizes that the victim died for being gay names what happened and helps to make a pattern visible: the use of dating apps to target gay men.
Frequently asked questions
How many years has he been sentenced to?
To 19 years in prison for homicide, robbery with violence, and fraud, according to the sentence of the Bizkaia Court of October 16, 2026.
Why is the aggravating factor of sexual orientation applied?
Because the court considers it proven that he acted “driven by a prejudice against the victim’s sexual orientation.”
Can the sentence be appealed?
No. The parties reached an agreement of conformity and announced that they would not appeal, so it is final.
How did he contact the victim?
Through a dating app.
