The investigation into the murder of 37-year-old Northern Irishman John George, whose body was found last week in Rojales, has taken a new international turn.
The Civil Guard is expanding its search beyond Spain after suspicions arose that the alleged killer may have fled to Thailand.
Sources familiar with the case have revealed to local media that the Czech citizen who was initially arrested following the discovery of the body is not believed to be the perpetrator of the crime. Instead, the focus has shifted to another man, also from Northern Ireland, a known acquaintance of the victim, who is suspected of having fled abroad following the murder.
The family of John George has pointed to the suspect as a drug dealer with connections to the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), a paramilitary group in Northern Ireland. This suspicion, still under investigation, has prompted the Civil Guard to request international cooperation to track the fugitive down.
Details of the Murder and Autopsy Results
The victim, John George, was found concealed among trees in a lemon grove in Rojales,cclose to Torrevieja. Following an autopsy, it was confirmed that George had been shot dead, matching the information provided by a witness who claimed that someone confessed to the killing.
See also: Arrest made following discover of body in Rojales
The witness further indicated that the body was disposed of between Torrevieja and Benidorm. Those details were shared with George’s family through a message published by the Sunday World newspaper, which also revealed that one of the suspects had taken the weapon used in the crime to “clean it.”
In the same message, the witness claimed that George, also known as “Georgie,” had left his apartment around 10 pm on 14th December, with another man. A few hours later, the man returned with a firearm and confessed to shooting George. The witness further stated that “Georgie did not arrive in Benidorm,” suggesting that the victim was killed soon after leaving his home.
Identifying the Victim
Though there were initial doubts about the identity of the body found in the lemon grove, the Civil Guard has now been able to confirm the victim’s identity using fingerprints. Several tattoos on the body matched those of John George, confirming that he was the man who had been missing since December 14, 2024, the last day he communicated with his family. George had planned to return to Northern Ireland on a flight scheduled for December 18 but never boarded.
Suspicion of Multiple Involved Parties
The investigation has also highlighted the involvement of several other individuals close to the victim. John George’s father has shared the names of at least six people he believes may be connected to the murder. Among these individuals are the man currently in custody, as well as a woman who is reportedly the girlfriend of the primary suspect and has an OnlyFans account with adult content. Prior to the discovery of the body, the woman posted a message on her social media stating that she had no knowledge of George’s whereabouts. She has since claimed to have received 30 death threats related to the case.
The arrested individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, is still in the custody of the Civil Guard, with his level of involvement yet to be fully established. At the very least, he is expected to face charges related to the concealment of the murder.
Family’s Appeal for Justice
John George’s family, devastated by his untimely death, has been actively campaigning for information about his disappearance and murder. They have offered a reward of £30,000 (approximately €35,000) for any information leading to the arrest of the killer. Additionally, they launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs of searching for George and repatriating his body back to Northern Ireland. By the afternoon of January 9, 2025, the fundraiser had raised over £27,000.
In a further effort to seek justice, a Facebook group named “Justice for John George” has been created, quickly amassing over 55,000 members. The page serves as a platform for condolences and messages of support, with many people expressing their sympathy for the grieving family. John George’s father has also posted emotional tributes to his son, describing his grief and shock over the brutal loss.
Ongoing Investigation and International Efforts
While the search for the fugitive continues, the Civil Guard’s investigation remains active, with the cooperation of international law enforcement agencies sought to locate the suspect. The Spanish authorities are working closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to trace the movements of the alleged killer, and efforts are being made to ensure justice for John George and his devastated family.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are hopeful that the collaboration between Spanish and international police will bring closure to the case and help locate the individual responsible for this tragic loss.
