Netflix recently released a three-part docuseries, "Cooking Up Murder: Uncovering the Story of César Román," focusing on the case of César Román, a celebrity chef convicted of murdering his former girlfriend, Heydi Paz. Directed by Román Parrado and written by Noemí Redondo and Isabel Paniagua, the series delves into Román's career and the circumstances surrounding his 2021 conviction.
Román, a Venezuelan-born chef, earned the nickname "King of Cachopo" for his expertise in a traditional dish from northern Spain's Asturias region. He owned the restaurant chain A Cañada, which saw initial success but eventually went bankrupt. Paz, a 25-year-old from Honduras, worked as a food server at one of his restaurants, where they met in April 2018. Their relationship deteriorated by June, and Paz was reported missing in July. In August 2018, her remains were found by firefighters during a fire incident.
The docuseries recounts Román's various claims of involvement in trade unions, newspapers, political parties, and covert operations. It also highlights media coverage of the case and the authorities' focus on Román. Paz's mother, Gloria Francis Bulnes, described Román as "jealous and controlling."
Román, who denied the murder charges, is currently serving a 15-year sentence at the Soto del Real Penitentiary Center in Madrid.