crime
Francisco Holgado, 'Padre Coraje' of Jerez, dies
Holgado pursued his own investigations into his son Juan's 1995 killing, prompting a second trial and a TV adaptation; his death was reported by Jerez Television.
Apr 1st 2026 · Spain
Insights
- Francisco Holgado, known as 'Padre Coraje', has died, Jerez Television reported.
- His son Juan was murdered on 22 November 1995 at the Martín Ferrador gas station.
- Holgado infiltrated drug circles and made secret recordings while disguised, actions that helped force a second trial.
- The case inspired the Antena 3 miniseries Padre coraje produced by Tesamun and Mundo Ficción and directed by Benito Zambrano.
- Holgado became a public symbol for families seeking justice and continued to press the case for decades.
Sources
- Muere en Jerez el 'Padre Coraje', símbolo de la lucha por lograr justicia para su hijo www.elmundo.es
- Muere Francisco Holgado, el 'Padre Coraje' de Jerez www.abc.es
- Muere Francisco Holgado, el 'Padre Coraje' de Jerez www.diariodejerez.es
- Muere a los 82 años el 'Padre Coraje' tras una larga lucha por esclarecer la muerte de su hijo, todavía sin resolver www.elespanol.com
- Muere en Jerez el 'Padre Coraje', símbolo de la lucha por lograr justicia para su hijo asesinado www.elconfidencial.com
- Muere Francisco Holgado, el ‘Padre Coraje’ de Jerez www.deia.eus