On 9 December 1980, a few hours early in the morning, Otxoa was working at the petrol station on the motorway between Altube and Vitoria in Murgia. The man was hit by a high-speed tourist, causing the death of the driver. The newspaper El País published a few days later the news, which in the opinion of the citizens presents some errors.

There were witnesses. A citizen was on the spot and it was the author of the fact himself who gave the details. A camouflaged car quickly entered the petrol station and hit José Luis Otxoa, who was drunk. He died instantly. The police officers on the spot requested documentation from the driver and the passenger of the vehicle and were found to be police officers. Apparently, they were under the influence of alcohol, although their presence was not ruled out. However, they were never tried.

38 years later, in the town of Zuia they have not forgotten José Luis Otxoa, and Hala Bedi has assured that they continue to denounce police impunity.