Born into the Izquierdo clan in rural Extremadura, Emilio and his brother Antonio inherited a legacy steeped in hatred toward their rivals, the Cabanillas family (also known locally as the “Amadeos”). Long-standing land disputes and rumors about foul play—such as the 1984 fire that claimed their mother—fed simmering resentments. By his 50s, Emilio had led a quiet life sheep-farming, ceasing formal education but retaining normal intelligence, even managing tens of thousands of pesetas in savings.

On the evening of August 26, 1990, Emilio and Antonio left their sisters’ home under the guise of “hunting turtledoves.” Equipped with 12-gauge shotguns loaded with lethal buckshot, they hid in a narrow alley in Puerto Hurraco. At nightfall, they ambushed villagers—especially members of the Cabanillas clan. Within a relentless 20 minutes, nine were killed (including girls aged 12 and 14), and twelve others seriously wounded.

They fired indiscriminately—even at a Civil Guard vehicle—wounding two officers. After the carnage, they fled into Sierra del Oro, where they were found asleep by Guardia Civil units nine hours later. Emilio quietly surrendered, showing no remorse and claiming vengeance: “Let the town suffer…”.

In January 1994, a court sentenced him to 684 years in prison and ordered hefty financial compensation. The judge described him as “culturally primitive” but mentally competent capable of sheep-farming and planning the killings. Emilio died in his cell at Badajoz prison from heart issues in December 2006, aged 72.