Ángela Murillo, a prominent Spanish judge and the first female member of the Criminal Chamber of the National Court, has died at the age of 74. She dedicated over three decades to the National Court and more than forty years in the judiciary, during which she became a key player in the fight against the Basque terrorist organization ETA. Her career was marked by high-profile trials that shaped Spain's legal landscape, including significant cases against drug trafficking and corruption linked to Spain's banking sector.

Throughout her career, Murillo was known for her commitment to justice and her fearless approach to handling complex cases. She presided over crucial trials involving various criminal activities, from the Nécora case against drug trafficking to trials related to financial scandals, such as the 'black cards' case and the IPO of Bankia. Her rulings not only contributed to the legal field but also placed her in the public eye, sometimes leading to personal challenges due to the high stakes involved in her decisions.

Murillo was born in Almendralejo, Badajoz, and her legacy will be remembered as a monumental part of Spain’s judicial history, especially regarding her role in dismantling ETA's infrastructure. As a trailblazer for women in the judiciary, her passing marks the end of an era where she not only advanced legal principles but also opened doors for future generations of female judges in Spain.