John George: International arrest warrant issued for prime suspect in his murder on Spain’s Costa Blanca as family ask for second autopsy

AN INTERNATIONAL arrest warrant has been issued by a Torrevieja judge for the suspected killer of Belfast man John George.

Meanwhile his family have requested a second autopsy after getting a medical report, which revealed that John had been stabbed first before being shot.

The Valencian Community Superior Court says an international warrant, a European arrest warrant and a national search and arrest warrant have all been issued for the unnamed suspect.

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A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic was bailed on January 10 after being told he was being investigated as an alleged accomplice over the killing.

George’s family have claimed via social media that the murderer was a drug trafficker- also from Northern Ireland- and that he fled to Thailand.

The reason for the postponement of Mr.George’s funeral scheduled for last Friday became clear on Wednesday when the family’s solicitor said they had asked for a second autopsy.

“We can confirm the family have received an autopsy report from the Spanish authorities,” said Kevin Winters.

“The findings point to John having been stabbed before being shot. As a precautionary measure and in order to make sure we have absolute clarity on the cause of death we have instructed another pathologist to conduct a second autopsy on John’s remains.”

The family say they are encouraged by the issuing of three separate arrest warrants by Spanish authorities for the person suspected of the murder.

“They are hopeful that all engaged authorities will pursue implementation of the warrants in order to take the case to the next very important stage of the investigation,” Winters added.

John George’s remains were brought back home last week by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a Northern Ireland charity which helps bring home bodies of those who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances