A family gathering in Esch allegedly set the stage for a planned murder, as prosecutors detail a months-long plot involving poison and manipulation.

Each person's name has been changed for anonymity.

During a family gathering in Esch, around the kitchen or living room table, the main accused, Ana, her mother Mariana, and Mariana's partner Antonio allegedly decided to kill Ana's partner, Pedro. According to Ana, the idea to use insecticide – originally intended for potato beetles – came from her mother, who claimed it was an effective poison. A neighbour had reportedly previously used it to commit suicide. Ana did not resist the pressure from Mariana and Antonio.

In her statements, Ana portrayed herself as a victim, claiming that Pedro controlled her and at times physically threatened her, though no direct evidence supports these allegations. Mariana and Antonio reportedly exerted constant control, giving instructions and threatening to take away Ana's child, Cristina, if she did not comply.

Mariana had repeatedly told Ana that if Pedro were her husband, she would have killed him long ago. Ana also stated that Mariana had once given Antonio an overdose of medication, causing him to vomit and spend a night in the hospital. The judge questioned whether this could already be considered attempted murder. However, Ana acknowledged that there had been other ways to protect herself without resorting to killing Pedro. She could not explain why she had not warned either of the two men. Nor did she clarify how she, Mariana, and Antonio had effectively planned the act over what was described as a casual "coffee gathering".

Ana's statements contained numerous contradictions that could not be resolved on Wednesday. At one point, she claimed to have asked her cousin in January to buy the insecticide; later, she said it was two months before a planned vacation. She could not explain why she would have needed the poison in January if Mariana had only suggested the idea months later. The judge remarked: "When someone suffers a lot, they need a good memory."

Ana's cousin, Marta, testified via video from Portugal, insisting that Ana had asked her to purchase the poison on the day of the incident, 3 August. It cost €6.50, which Marta had found expensive, but Mariana reimbursed her after insisting they buy it together.

Marta described the family's behavior in the days following Pedro's death. During their usual vacation meals, she asked about Pedro's whereabouts and was told that all his belongings and money were gone. She began to fear something had happened and suggested to Mariana that they go to the police. Mariana dismissed the idea, claiming the police would not act because Ana and Pedro were not married.

Even when Portuguese media reported that a man's body had been found in the area, Marta did not connect it to Pedro, saying: "I could not imagine that they were capable of something like that."

At a party three days after Pedro's death, Ana reportedly danced while others enjoyed themselves, showing no visible remorse.

The trial continues on Thursday, with the main defendant scheduled for further questioning. The presumption of innocence applies until a verdict is reached.