The actual facts of the case undermine a claim of a spontaneous act of self-defense or even a delayed response as an abuse spouse. Police say that not only did Lafuente Caso cut up her husband with a chain saw but then distributed his body parts around Mexico City, including his head which was found by children in a park. She then allegedly sent text messages from his phone to pretend that he was still alive. She then pretending to be a grieving widow.
When accused, she claimed to be an abuse spouse. Police say that she then tried to claim mental illness. Given the elaborate measures taken in the murder and its aftermath, both defenses would be difficult to establish. The mental illness defense was particularly interesting since she is a trained psychologist familiar with the protocols and conditions for such illness. Yet, another doctor concluded that she was faking the symptoms and responses.