Jonathan Alan “Jonny” Smyth, the fugitive, sought by the Civil Guard and a court in Torrevieja as the suspected gunman in the murder of John George, a 37-year-old Northern Irish citizen whose body was found on January 7 in a lemon grove in Rojales, has been arrested this Tuesday in Braga, Portugal.
He was apprehended at an Airbnb where he was staying with his girlfriend.
Initially, authorities speculated that the suspect had fled to Thailand, but he was ultimately found in Portugal.
Several media outlets have now reported the arrest of two suspects related to John George’s murder, both of whom are set to appear before a Portuguese court this Wednesday. However, the court in Torrevieja issued three arrest warrants in late January—two of them European and international arrest orders—only targeting the main suspect.
He is now in a Braga prison awaiting extradition to Spain.
Portuguese police have confirmed just one arrest, stating that the suspect fled to various countries, supposedly in the Middle East and Asia, before being captured in Portugal.
The 26-year-old detainee will be brought before the Guimarães Court of Appeal, where the judge will assess his detention and Spain’s extradition request, according to Portuguese authorities.
The arrested fugitive is a known associate of John George. His photo had been widely shared on social media by the victim’s family and friends. The Civil Guard suspected that the fugitive could be hiding in Portugal, and according to Northern Irish media, the victim’s family provided crucial information to authorities, leading to his capture.
See also: Interpol alert for alleged killer of John George
See also: Thai escape route for suspect
PREVIOUS ARREST IN CONNECTION TO THE CRIME
Earlier, the Civil Guard arrested a 32-year-old Czech citizen in connection with the case. He was identified as Michal Maly, a former soldier in the French Foreign Legion. He appeared before the Torrevieja court and was released on bail with precautionary measures. He is under investigation for his alleged role as a necessary accomplice or co-conspirator in the homicide.
During his court appearance, the suspect denied any involvement in John George’s death. However, his testimony played a key role in helping authorities locate the victim’s body.
JOHN GEORGE’S DISAPPEARANCE
John George had travelled to the Costa Blanca in December for a holiday to meet friends in Cabo Roig, Orihuela Costa. He last spoke to his family on December 14, and he was scheduled to fly back home from Alicante-Elche Airport on December 18—but he never boarded his flight.
