Netflix’s latest investigative thriller, The Asunta Case, has grabbed the attention of viewers around the world. The miniseries delves into one of the most shocking crimes in Spain involving the murder of 12-year-old Asunta Fong Yang. The wealthy couple who adopted her from China, Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra, found themselves at the center of a murder investigation that rocked the country. The drama, starring Candela Peña and Tristán Ulloa, has quickly climbed to the No. 2 spot in the U.S. on Netflix.
The Asunta Case was created by Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira, Jon de la Cuesta, and David Orea. The series sheds light on the real-life events that led to the tragic death of Asunta Fong Yang. With all six episodes now available for streaming on Netflix, viewers can follow the gripping story based on actual events that unfolded in Spain.
In June 2001, Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra, a couple from Santiago de Compostela, adopted Asunta Fong Yang from China. Porto, a lawyer, and Basterra, a journalist, came from an upper-middle-class background, and the adoption appeared to be a normal process. As Asunta grew older, it became evident that she was intellectually gifted, excelling in academics and various extracurricular activities, including ballet, violin, and piano classes.
Asunta’s life took a tragic turn in September 2013 when her lifeless body was discovered on the side of the road. Porto and Basterra had reported her missing, but their actions raised suspicions, leading to their arrest. Investigations uncovered disturbing details, including high levels of lorazepam in Asunta’s body, the main ingredient in Porto’s anxiety medication. Despite lacking physical evidence, CCTV footage and witness testimonies implicated the couple in their daughter’s murder.
The case against Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra went to trial in 2015. The prosecution presented evidence of suspicious behavior, including Porto’s lies about her whereabouts on the day of Asunta’s death and Basterra’s purchases of lorazepam pills. Witnesses also testified to Asunta’s unusual behavior in the months leading up to her death, indicating possible drugging. The couple was ultimately sentenced to 18 years in prison each, with Porto tragically taking her own life in 2020.
The Asunta Case offers a harrowing depiction of a real-life tragedy that shook a nation. The series delves into the complexities of the case, unraveling the events leading to Asunta Fong Yang’s untimely death and the subsequent investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of her adoptive parents. With its compelling storytelling and stellar performances, The Asunta Case is a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts and thriller fans alike.
