Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, a Colombian professional bodybuilder, and her husband, Jarrod Gelling, were found dead by local authorities in Spain on June 19.

The couple had been staying in a rental property in the coastal town of Fuengirola, Malaga, for a month after Jarrod’s knee surgery on June 16. One of her friends filed a missing case on Wednesday (June 18), following which the police stormed the apartment and discovered their bodies on June 19.

Zunilda, 43, had suffered fatal head injuries, while Jarrod’s body was discovered with self-inflicted knife wounds. She had not contacted her family since Saturday (June 14), which raised their concern since she used to communicate regularly with them, and they also knew about her husband’s aggressive behaviour. “For my aunt, it was her last trip with him, a farewell," Zunilda’s niece, Yuleydis, reportedly told the media. People at the local gym had also noticed her absence.

The evidence points to Jarrod as the prime suspect in the unfolding investigation by the Spanish police, though the autopsy result is pending.

History of domestic abuse

Popularly known as ‘She Hulk’, Zunilda had met Jarrod through their shared profession of bodybuilding. They had had a breakup four years ago and reunited, but the pattern of violence continued. According to reports, she had been a survivor of domestic abuse throughout the four years they were married, and was planning to divorce him. SUR reported that she had been excited for an upcoming competition in Portugal and wanted to be divorced by the time she returned to Colombia.

Zunilda’s coach, Branden Rey, who was training her for an upcoming competition, reportedly posted on social media, “We had 17 days until we were going to hit the stage and shock the world, my friend. I told you that you could possibly be top 10 in the world by the end of this year, and I meant it. Rest in paradise.” He added that domestic violence should never be taken lightly since it leaves people with a heavy heart.