Spanish authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for the main suspect in the murder of Belfast resident John George. The 37-year-old father of two was found dead in a gruesome Costa Blanca homicide that has shocked the community.
Police have so far detained only one man, a 32-year-old Czech national, who was released on bail on January 10. He is currently under investigation as an alleged accomplice to the killing.
Following his release, Spanish authorities confirmed that three separate arrest warrants have now been issued for the individual suspected of carrying out the murder.
The warrants—international, European, and national—were requested by prosecutors and issued on Tuesday by a judge at Torrevieja’s Court of Instruction Number Two, which is overseeing the case.
An official from the Valencian Community’s High Court stated: “The magistrate heading up Court of Instruction Number Two in Torrevieja, following receipt of a report from the public prosecution service, has today issued three orders against the alleged material author of the death of the British citizen whose body was discovered in Rojales near Torrevieja earlier this month. The suspect’s whereabouts are currently unknown.”
Court officials have not disclosed the wanted man’s age or nationality, though rumours suggest he may have fled to Thailand. This possibility could explain the issuance of all three arrest warrants, including the international one.
John George, a father of two, disappeared on December 14 during what was supposed to be a short holiday in Spain. When he failed to board his flight home four days later, his family reported him missing. By December 23, his family launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid in the search, fearing he had fallen victim to a crime.
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John’s brother Darren travelled to Alicante with their parents, Billy and Sharon, and sisters Courtney and Caitlin to assist in the search, joined by up to 50 friends and extended family from Northern Ireland. K9 Search and Rescue NI, a volunteer canine search team, also participated in the effort.
The search ended tragically on January 7 when John’s decomposing body was discovered under overgrown lemon trees about five miles from Rojales near Torrevieja.
Later that same day, police arrested a man on suspicion of the murder. After nearly 72 hours in custody, he appeared in court on January 10. The Czech national denied involvement, claiming he was being scapegoated. His lawyer, Manuel Ramon Rives, attributed the arrest to his client’s recent acquaintance with the alleged perpetrator, whom police are still hunting.
Following his release on bail, the lawyer told local media that no incriminating evidence linked his client to the crime. He asserted: “He isn’t involved in this.”
Torrevieja’s Court of Instruction Number Two confirmed that the man is under investigation for homicide as an accomplice or for aiding and abetting. His bail conditions include signing in at court every two weeks, surrendering his passport, and remaining in Spain. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities determined to fully solve the case.
Meanwhile, John’s family and friends gathered last Sunday at St. Luke’s Church in Twinbrook, West Belfast, for a vigil in his memory. Hundreds attended the event, releasing lanterns into the sky to honour him.
The day before, the George family announced that John’s funeral, initially scheduled for last Friday, had been postponed. His sister Courtney posted on social media: “All funeral arrangements cancelled until further notice due to circumstances beyond our control. Updated arrangements will follow in due course.”
The tragic case has left John’s family and the wider community mourning the loss of a beloved father, son, and brother, while the search for justice continues.
