Ángela Murillo, the first woman to serve on the Criminal Chamber of Spain's National Court, has died at the age of 74. Her passing was confirmed by sources from the tribunal, and she had announced her retirement just a month prior, having dedicated over 40 years to the judiciary and 31 years to the Audiencia Nacional. Murillo was not only a trailblazer for women in law but also played a pivotal role in Spain's fight against terrorism and organized crime.

Throughout her career, Murillo presided over several high-profile trials that shaped Spain's legal landscape, particularly those related to the terrorist group ETA. She was instrumental in dismantling the group's operations, which has been a significant aspect of her legacy. Beyond ETA, her rigorous approach to justice extended to cases involving narcotrafficking and financial fraud, including the infamous 'black cards' case and the public offering fiasco of Bankia.

Her efforts garnered both respect and scrutiny, marking her as a prominent figure in Spain's judicial history. Murillo's commitment to justice and her groundbreaking achievements for women in the legal profession highlight the impactful nature of her work, making her an enduring figure in the fight for justice in Spain. Her death not only represents a loss of a strong legal mind but also a significant chapter closed in the history of Spain's judiciary.