#362: Genius Adopted Girl From China Found Dead - STRANGE Photos Found In Rich Parent’s Phone
Rotten Mango explores the suspicious circumstances surrounding Asanta's death, an adopted Chinese girl raised by wealthy parents in Spain. The episode delves into Asanta's troubled upbringing and her family's complex dynamics, marked by her mother's mental health issues and alleged controlling behavior from her father.
As the investigation unfolds, the podcast examines strange incidents, including Asanta's alarming behavior, potential drugging, and a questionable home invasion. The episode navigates the controversies plaguing the case, from mishandled evidence to accusations of bias and unprofessional conduct. It scrutinizes the trial's aftermath, where the parents' convictions were overturned, leaving lingering doubts about Asanta's tragic demise.
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1-Page Summary
Asanta's Privileged Yet Troubled Upbringing
Asanta's life began amid privilege after her adoption from China by a wealthy lawyer couple in Spain, Rosario and Alfonso. However, their complex relationship, marked by Rosario's mental health issues and Alfonso's possible controlling tendencies, created a challenging family dynamic.
Asanta's Strange Behavior and Suspicious Incidents
In the months leading up to her death, Asanta exhibited alarming, drugged behavior noticed by teachers. Her parents gave inconsistent explanations, with evidence suggesting they drugged her. Asanta also claimed a home invasion where a masked man tried to kill her, but her parents failed to properly report and investigate the incident, raising further suspicions.
Asanta's Murder Investigation Mired in Controversy
The investigation into Asanta's death was plagued by mishandling of evidence, as investigators alleged implicating both parents in her drugging and potential abuse. Theories emerged about their potential motives, though lacking definitive conclusions. The overseeing judge faced accusations of bias and unprofessional conduct.
The Controversial Trial and its Aftermath
Rosario and Alfonso were convicted and sentenced to 18 years for Asanta's murder, but these convictions were later overturned on appeal. Key evidence like jailhouse recordings was deemed inadmissible. Afterwards, Rosario died by suicide in prison, while Alfonso remains incarcerated, maintaining innocence but expressing a desire to "reunite" with Asanta, fueling suspicions about his involvement.
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Clarifications
- Asanta was adopted from China by a wealthy lawyer couple in Spain, Rosario and Alfonso. This means that Asanta was born in China and then legally became the child of the Spanish couple through the adoption process. The adoption highlighted a cross-cultural family dynamic, with Asanta being raised in Spain by her adoptive parents. Adoption can bring unique challenges and opportunities for families, especially when different cultures and backgrounds are involved.
- Rosario's mental health issues could have included conditions like depression, anxiety, or other psychological challenges that impacted her well-being. Alfonso's possible controlling tendencies may suggest behaviors where he exerted power or influence over Rosario or others in the family, potentially affecting their dynamics and interactions. These aspects could have contributed to a complex and challenging family environment for Asanta.
- The mishandling of evidence in the investigation into Asanta's death suggests that there were errors or improper procedures in how crucial pieces of information were collected, preserved, or analyzed by the authorities. This mishandling could have included issues like contamination of evidence, improper storage leading to degradation, or mishaps in the chain of custody, which could have compromised the integrity of the investigation. Such mishandling can raise doubts about the reliability of the findings and potentially impact the outcome of the case, leading to questions about the fairness and accuracy of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
- The convictions of Rosario and Alfonso being overturned on appeal due to inadmissible evidence means that certain pieces of evidence presented during the trial were deemed improper or legally unacceptable. This could have been because the evidence was obtained unlawfully, lacked proper authentication, or violated the defendants' rights. As a result, the court decided that this evidence should not have been considered in the trial, leading to the overturning of the convictions.
- Rosario's death by suicide in prison: Rosario, one of Asanta's adoptive parents, took her own life while she was in prison awaiting trial or serving her sentence. This tragic event occurred after she was implicated in the murder of Asanta and faced legal consequences. The circumstances surrounding her suicide may involve factors like guilt, despair, or mental health struggles.
- Alfonso's desire to "reunite" with Asanta despite her passing suggests a complex emotional state or a possible attempt to convey innocence or remorse. This statement could be interpreted in various ways, such as longing for closure or seeking a connection beyond physical existence. It may also raise suspicions about his involvement in Asanta's death, as his expressed desire could be seen as contradictory to his legal stance of maintaining innocence. The ambiguity surrounding his statement adds layers to the already controversial case.
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Asanta's background and family dynamics
Asanta's life began in privilege and complexity after her adoption by a prominent couple in Spain, leading to a challenging family dynamic marked by high expectations and personal turmoil.
Asanta was adopted from China as an infant by a prominent lawyer couple, Rosario and Alfonso
Asanta, or Asunta Fang Yong Basterra Porto, was adopted from China's Hunan province as an infant. She was one of the first Chinese adoptees in the region, adding to her prominence as the daughter of a wealthy lawyer family. Her adoptive parents, Rosario, an attorney, and Alfonso, a freelance journalist, struggled with infertility due to Rosario's lupus, which made pregnancy risky. They viewed Asanta’s adoption almost as a rescue, giving her a life of luxury she wouldn't have had otherwise. Asanta was adopted while her parents lived in an affluent area of Santiago, known for its upper elite population, and had a lavishly decorated apartment, a testament to their status.
Rosario and Alfonso had a complex, tumultuous relationship marked by divorce, infidelity, and mental health issues
Rosario and Alfonso's relationship was fraught with challenges, including divorce, infidelity, and mental health issues. Rosario was described by a court psychologist as a narcissistic and depressive personality. She struggled with bouts of depression and lupus flare-ups, which Alfonso took care of, indicating a potentially controlling dynamic. After the couple divorced, Alfonso lived nearby, eager to continue helping Rosario. There were insinuations suggesting that he might have been happy about Rosario's struggles as they meant she would be more reliant on him.
Asanta was seen as a gifted, talented child by both her parents and the community. She was considered healthy and a genius, having skipped a grade, taking multiple extracurricular classes such as English, French, Chinese, German, violin, piano, and ballet. Her home life was carefully structured to nurture her abilities, with soundproofed rooms for her music practice. However, the family's personal difficulties seemed to spill over into their parenting, with Rosario sometimes expressin ...
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Asanta's background and family dynamics
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Clarifications
- Asanta's prominence as the daughter of a wealthy lawyer family stems from her adoption by Rosario and Alfonso, who were affluent professionals in Spain. Their social status and financial means contributed to Asanta's privileged upbringing and the opportunities she had growing up. This background of wealth and influence within the community added to Asanta's visibility and standing in society. The family's affluence and connections within elite circles could have influenced how Asanta was perceived and treated by others.
- Alfonso's potential feelings about Rosario's struggles were hinted at in the text, suggesting he might have been content with her challenges as they could make her more reliant on him, possibly indicating a complex dynamic in their relationship.
- Soundproofed rooms are designed to prevent sound from entering or leaving a space, creating a controlled environment for music practice. This setup helps musicians focus without disturbing others or being distracted by external noise. It is common in households where individuals practice musical instruments regularly to maintain a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for learning and honing their skills. The soundproofing materials used can include special insula ...
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The incidents and suspicious behavior leading up to Asanta's death
Asanta experienced a series of strange events and exhibited alarming behavior leading up to her untimely death, with her parents failing to properly address or investigate the issues that arose.
Asanta exhibited strange, drugged behavior in the months prior to her death, with her parents failing to properly address or investigate the issue
Asanta's teachers noticed alarming changes in her demeanor and abilities
Teachers reported observing disturbing alterations in Asanta's behavior. She appeared in a daze, with quite large pupils that netizens later suggested looked dilated as if she had been drugged. Asanta told her teachers that her parents made her take a bitter white powder causing drowsiness and sleepiness. Furthermore, teachers noticed her forgetting well-known pieces of music, slouched postures, and inability to recall eating breakfast, indicating a possible drugging with lorazepam or other substances.
Rosario and Alfonso provided inconsistent, suspicious explanations for Asanta's condition
Rosario and Asanta's father, Alfonso, were believed to have given inconsistent stories regarding Asanta's health, such as attributing her drowsiness to hay fever or strong antihistamines. They were suspected of wanting to make Asanta more manageable with the drugs but accidentally overdosed her. Rosario seemed unaware of her dwindling lorazepam supply, while Alfonso was purchasing a substantial quantity of the drug before her death.
Asanta was the victim of a strange home invasion incident months before her death, which her parents did not properly report or investigate
Asanta claimed a masked intruder had tried to kill her, but her parents did not alert the authorities
Several months before her death, Asanta recounted a harrowing experience of an apparent home invasion where a masked man allegedly attempted to murder her. Despite this serious allegation, Rosario and Alfonso failed to report the incident to the authorities promptly. After the intrusion, Asanta was attacked and found by her mother on the ground with an unidentified man dressed in black holdi ...
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The incidents and suspicious behavior leading up to Asanta's death
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Clarifications
- Lorazepam is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. It can cause sedation, relaxation, and memory impairment when misused or taken in excessive amounts. In the context mentioned, drugging with lorazepam implies the possibility of someone administering this drug to Asanta without her knowledge or consent, leading to the observed behavioral changes.
- The phrase "wanting to make Asanta more manageable with the drugs" suggests a possible motive of using medication to control or influence Asanta's behavior. This could imply an intention to alter her state of mind or emotions through the use of drugs, potentially to make her easier to handle or control in some way.
- In the context provided, lorazepam is a medication commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The statement suggests that Rosario, Asanta's mother, appeared to be unaware that her supply of lorazepam, a drug with potential for abuse, was running low or diminishing. This detail could imply negligence or lack of oversight regarding the medication's usage or availability in the household.
- Asanta described a terrifying incident where an unknown person wearing a mask entered her home with the apparent intention to harm her. This intrusion led to a physical confrontation between Asanta and the intruder, causing distress and fear. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Asanta's parents did not immediately inv ...
Counterarguments
- Asanta's strange behavior could have medical explanations unrelated to drugging, such as a neurological disorder or mental health issue that was not yet diagnosed.
- The teachers' observations, while concerning, may not be conclusive evidence of drugging and could be attributed to other factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, or adolescent changes.
- Rosario and Alfonso's explanations for Asanta's condition might seem inconsistent due to stress, confusion, or a lack of medical knowledge rather than an intent to deceive.
- The lack of immediate reporting to the authorities after the home invasion could be due to shock, fear of retaliation, or a belief that the situation was under control.
- The parents' unusual behavior post-invasion could be a result of trauma or a cultural difference in how su ...
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The investigation and theories surrounding Asanta's murder
The case of Asanta's murder is mired in controversy, with the investigation drawing criticism for the mishandling of evidence and the conduct of the judge overseeing the case.
The investigation into Asanta's death was plagued by controversy and mishandling of evidence
When Asanta was found dead, there was a strange substance on her shirt, possibly semen stains. Investigators could not find Alfonso's phone or laptop in his apartment, which led to speculation he might have disposed of them after leaving the police station. Furthermore, Alfonso had been slowly obtaining lorazepam pills, with over 170 pills acquired and Asanta having 27 pills in her system at the time of her murder. Both Alfonso and Rosario were implicated in the drugging, and possibly worse, given Alfonso's initial inability to provide his laptop, which once located had its hard drive swapped and data deleted.
Police found concerning evidence implicating both Rosario and Alfonso in Asanta's drugging and potential abuse
The investigation considered if Rosario killed Asanta or if Alfonso had assisted. They questioned whether Alfonso, given the disturbing content found on his laptop involving young Asian girls and his reported preference for young-looking individuals at a local brothel, might have committed acts worse than murder. Semen initially attributed to Ramiro due to lab contamination later raised suspicion toward the parents, particularly Alfonso. Investigators believed the couple grew tired of Asanta, whom they “bought a decade earlier,” and that Rosario would rather have a dead daughter than an ex-husband charged with assault.
Numerous theories emerged about the parents' potential involvement in Asanta's murder, but no definitive conclusion was reached
Various theories about the motive surfaced, though they lacked sufficient evidence for court debates. Theories included Rosario being a serial killer, the possibility that Alfonso had been drugging Asanta to suppress memories of assault, or Rosario having a mental breakdown and killing her daughter. Netizens, unsatisfied with the investigation, proposed their theories due to the messy conduct of the case.
The judge overseeing the case was accused of bias and unprofessional behavior, further undermining the integrity of the proceedings
The judge made questionable statements and decisions that suggested he had already presumed the parents' guilt
The judge overseeing the case was criticized for his potential bias, a ...
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The investigation and theories surrounding Asanta's murder
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Clarifications
- Alfonso's missing phone and laptop were significant in the investigation as their absence raised suspicions that he might have disposed of them to conceal evidence. The missing devices led to speculation about potential tampering with digital evidence, especially considering the later discovery that Alfonso's laptop had its hard drive swapped and data deleted. This raised questions about Alfonso's actions and intentions surrounding the case, adding complexity to the investigation.
- Lorazepam is a medication used to treat anxiety disorders and is a type of benzodiazepine. In the context of the investigation, the presence of lorazepam pills in Asanta's system raised concerns about potential drugging. The accumulation of lorazepam pills by Alfonso and their presence in Asanta's system suggested a possible link to her murder. The pills could have been used to incapacitate Asanta or alter her state of mind, leading to suspicions of foul play.
- Alfonso's laptop content, which included disturbing material involving young Asian girls, raised suspicions about his potential involvement in acts beyond murder in the case of Asanta's death. This content, combined with other evidence, led investigators to consider if Alfonso had been drugging Asanta to suppress memories of assault or if there were other sinister motives behind the murder. The laptop's hard drive being swapped and data deleted further fueled speculation about Alfonso's actions and potential connection to the crime. The laptop content added a layer of complexity to the investigation, suggesting a darker side to Alfonso's character and raising questions about his role in Asanta's murder.
- Alfonso potentially drugging Asanta could suggest a motive related to suppressing memories of assault or exerting control. The theory of Rosario being a serial killer implies a pattern of criminal behavior beyond the current case. These theories are speculative and lack concrete evidence in the investigation. They are part of the various hypotheses considered in the absence of definitive conclusions.
- The judge overseeing the case was criticized for making statements that indicated he had already assumed the guilt of the parents, referring to them in negative terms and suggesting their involvement in the crime without concrete evidence. This behavior raised concerns about his impartiality and fairness in presiding over the t ...
Counterarguments
- The investigation's mishandling of evidence could be due to the complexity of the case and the limitations of forensic technology, rather than incompetence or malice.
- The evidence implicating Rosario and Alfonso might be circumstantial and not necessarily indicative of guilt; alternative explanations for the evidence could exist.
- The emergence of numerous theories without definitive conclusions could reflect the open-ended nature of the case and the possibility that the true circumstances are yet unknown or misunderstood.
- Accusations of bias against the judge could be unfounded or exaggerated, and his statements might have been taken out of context or misinterpreted.
- The judge's decisions and statements might be based on information not ...
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The trial process and its controversies
The trial of Rosario and Alfonso for the murder of Asanta proved to be contentious and rife with legal drama, illustrating the complexities and potential flaws of the justice system.
Rosario and Alfonso were both convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison for Asanta's murder
Rosario and Alfonso faced the justice system's full force when they were found guilty and sentenced to 18 years in prison on October 30th, 2015, for the murder of Asanta.
The convictions were later overturned on appeal, indicating flaws in the initial trial
However, these convictions did not stand the test of time; they were later overturned on appeal. This reversal highlighted cracks in the initial trial process and raised questions about the accuracy and fairness of the original proceedings.
The trial process was marked by further controversies, including the inadmissibility of key evidence
A significant controversy in the trial was the handling of evidence that might have been pivotal to the court's understanding of the case.
The jailhouse recordings of Rosario and Alfonso were deemed inadmissible, depriving the court of pot ...
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The trial process and its controversies
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Clarifications
- The trial of Rosario and Alfonso for the murder of Asanta involved their conviction and subsequent overturning of the verdict due to issues with the initial trial process. Controversies arose around the admissibility of key evidence, such as jailhouse recordings, which were deemed inadmissible, impacting the court's understanding of the case. This highlighted flaws in the legal proceedings and raised questions about the fairness and accuracy of the trial's outcome.
- The jailhouse recordings of Rosario and Alfonso were conversations recorded while they were in prison. These recordings were considered important evidence in the murder trial of Asanta. However, their inadmissibility meant that the court could not use them to understand the case fully, potentially impacting the trial's outcome.
- In criminal proceedings, evidence admissibility rules determine what ...
Counterarguments
- The convictions being overturned on appeal does not necessarily reveal flaws in the initial trial; it could also indicate that the appellate court had access to new evidence or interpreted the law differently.
- The inadmissibility of key evidence like jailhouse recordings could be seen as upholding the integrity of the legal process by ensuring that only evidence which meets legal standards is considered, protecting the rights of the defendants.
- The complexities and rules regarding evidence admissibility are designed to balance the search for truth with the protection of individual rights, and their strict application is not inherently indicative of a flawed system.
- The overturning of the convictions could be viewed as a strength of the justice system, demonstrating its ability to self-correct when an appellate court identifies errors or issues in the initial proceedings.
- The handling of evidence and the subsequent appeal m ...
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The aftermath and the parents' fates
The case left deep marks on everyone involved, particularly on the parents of Asanta. The aftermath unfolded differently for Rosario and Alfonso, as they faced the consequences of their actions.
Rosario died by suicide in her prison cell, potentially out of guilt or an inability to cope with the consequences
Rosario was found unresponsive in her prison cell with a fabric belt around her neck, indicating a suicide attempt, which was her third. Although the detailed circumstances or reasons for Rosario's suicide were not mentioned, the act itself could suggest feelings of guilt or an inability to cope with the consequences she was facing.
Alfonso remains in prison, maintaining his innocence and expressing a desire to reunite with Asanta in the afterlife
Alfonso has been documented to still be in prison defending his innocence. He mentioned what he referred to as torture was not the accusations or incarceration, but, rather, the loss of his daughter Asanta. Furthermore, he has expressed a wish to "self-exit" upon regaining his freedom, intending to reunite with Asanta in the afterlife. This has raised suspicions, especially considering his calm demeanor in jailhouse calls, which contrasted with Rosario's distraught state.
Alfonso's actions and statements after Asanta's death have been viewed as suspicious by many
Various actions and statements made by Alfonso post-Asanta's death led many to view him with suspicion. He asked a newspaper he had previously worked at to not run the story of Asanta's disappearance. His major defense in claiming he was home when Asanta was killed, and comments made to the police shortly after her disappearance, were taken by some as trying to plant ideas, suggestive of his involvement. Photos of Asanta circulated online were found on her own phone, indicating someone else had taken those photos, poss ...
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The aftermath and the parents' fates
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Clarifications
- Alfonso's "self-exit" intention implies his desire to end his life, with the belief that he will reunite with his deceased daughter in the afterlife. This intention has raised suspicions due to its timing and the circumstances surrounding his daughter's death. It suggests a deep emotional impact and a sense of guilt or longing for closure.
- Alfonso's association with Asian women on Facebook and explicit searches may suggest a particular interest or behavior that some may find noteworthy or concerning. These details could be relevant in understanding his character and behavior in the broader context of the case.
- Alfonso's emotional state following Asanta's death was complex, as he expressed a desire to reunite with her in the afterlife. His calm demeanor in jail contrasted with Rosario's distraught state, leading to suspicions about his true feelings and in ...
Counterarguments
- It is not necessarily accurate to assume Rosario's suicide was due to guilt or an inability to cope; there could be other factors involved such as mental health issues, the conditions of her incarceration, or other personal reasons that are not mentioned in the text.
- Maintaining innocence in prison does not necessarily equate to actual innocence, as it could be a strategy for legal appeals or a psychological mechanism to cope with incarceration.
- Alfonso's desire to reunite with Asanta in the afterlife could be seen as a sign of grief rather than an admission of guilt or a cause for suspicion.
- Alfonso's actions and statements might be viewed with suspicion, but without concrete evidence, they remain circumstantial and should not be taken as definitive proof of guilt.
- The fact that Alfonso's behavior is seen as suspicious by many does not necessarily mean he is guilty; public opinion is not a substitute for legal judgment.
- The speculation about Alfonso's fate in pri ...
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