Where Is The TikTok Killer Now? Inside José Jurado Montilla’s Life After Making Videos About One of His Alleged Victims

**The Controversial Case of José Jurado Montilla: From Convicted Killer to Suspected Serial Murderer**

José Jurado Montilla, a man whose history is steeped in violence, has made headlines once again after being accused of additional murders in recent years. Once infamous as a serial killer in the 1980s, Montilla has resurfaced in the public eye under the chilling moniker “The TikTok Killer,” a title inspired by his social media activities that have drawn the attention of both investigators and viewers alike.

Montilla, born in 1961, was convicted in the mid-1980s for the murder of four individuals across the Málaga region of Spain. With a violent background that began with the shooting death of 57-year-old Francisco González in November 1985, Montilla’s confessions often contradicted eyewitness accounts, leading to widespread public and legal scrutiny. Despite claiming self-defence during González’s murder, he went on to kill additional victims, including a chauffeur and two tourists, before receiving a staggering 123-year sentence.

However, the legal landscape shifted dramatically in Montilla’s favour in 2013 when he was released after serving just 28 years. The European Court of Human Rights ruled against the Spanish Parot Doctrine, which had allowed for longer sentences than the maximum imposed under European regulations. Thus, Montilla was free, much to the dismay of those aware of his violent past.

Since his release, Montilla has attempted to cultivate a new identity, remarkably choosing to share his activities on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. Under the handle “Dinamita Montilla,” he produced videos documenting his travels throughout Spain, consistently maintaining his innocence regarding his previous convictions. His seemingly innocent posts took a darker turn when he became involved with Esther Estepa, a 42-year-old woman reported missing in August 2023.

Estepa’s disappearance, deeply felt by her family, became a mystery that unfolded sluggishly until signs pointed towards Montilla. After spending time hiking together, Estepa vanished, and her mother grew concerned when she stopped communicating. In August 2023, after previous communications, her family reported her missing. Despite various efforts to locate her, the investigation went cold and only resurfaced significantly in 2024 when her bones were discovered alongside a highway.

Two months prior to Estepa’s remains being identified, Montilla had been arrested in connection to another murder. The victim, a 21-year-old student named David, was shot at Montilla’s farm in Málaga just a year earlier. Details surrounding David’s death seemed to echo the pattern of Montilla’s previous crimes, raising suspicions that led authorities to delve deeper into his activities post-release.

Investigators linked Montilla to both cases through DNA evidence found on David’s belongings, as well as circumstantial evidence related to Estepa’s disappearance. Montilla’s social media activity turned out to be a double-edged sword; while he attempted to absolve himself from guilt, the videos he posted were utilised by authorities to trace his movements and establish a timeline where both victims were concerned.

In the documentary “The TikTok Killer,” released on March 6, 2024, the harrowing accounts of both Estepa’s family and those close to David were featured with the intent of shining a light on the trauma endured by the victims’ loved ones. The documentary highlighted Montilla’s chilling ability to navigate life post-incarceration, illustrating how he returned to social media to build a façade of normalcy while allegedly concealing his violent tendencies.

As of February 2026, Montilla remains in custody, facing serious charges connected to both David and Estepa. He has denied any wrongdoing in both cases, yet the evidence against him appears substantial. With the spotlight from the documentary exacerbating public interest, there is a pervasive sense of unease within the communities affected by his alleged actions.

The journey of José Jurado Montilla illustrates a complex intersection of crime, justice, and the dark allure of social media fame. As more details emerge about the ongoing trials, the ramifications of his past crimes continue to challenge the immediate justice system and provoke deep reflections on safety, public perception, and the handling of violent offenders after they have served their sentences. The upcoming proceedings are anticipated with bated breath, as both the legal system and public observers await to see how justice will ultimately unfold in this harrowing saga.