Police search home of alleged murderer of 15-year-old in central Catalonia

Catalan police searched the home of the alleged murderer of a 15-year-old boy on Tuesday morning, after the 40-year-old was arrested on Monday in connection with the killing. 

The detainee was present with Mossos d'Esquadra officers at the address when the 2.5-hour search began around 9 am on Tuesday morning. 

The police and the detainee then went to a warehouse in Manlleu after the search of the home, before bringing the alleged murderer to the Vic police station. It is expected that the alleged murderer will be brought before the court in the next few hours, once the investigators have completed the report.

Around 20 agents took part in the examination of the home, including officers from various different forensic teams, yet it has not been confirmed that they were unable to find the weapon of the crime. 

According to sources close to the Catalan News Agency, the house was in a very bad state and full of rubbish.

 

"That this happened in such a small town is unthinkable"

A relative of the deceased minor, Emili López, called the events of the past days "unthinkable in such a small town."

"It's a small town, we all know each other. Yes, this boy was conflicted, but not to reach these extremes either," said López.

According to the relative, the 15-year-old at the time of the incident "was leaving a party and walking down the street when he came across the shooting."

López thanked the work of the police with the arrest of the accused and also the health services and the local council for the emotional support that the relatives are receiving.

Killing

Mossos d'Esquadra police officers received word from witnesses shortly after 5 am on Monday morning who had heard shots after a fight that had taken place on Carrer Sant Martí in the town of Sant Hipòlit.

The young victim was found injured on the street at around 5 am on Monday morning but the medical emergency services were unable to save his life.

The alleged murderer fled the scene and sought refuge in a forest near Sant Hipòlit until the Catalan police arrested him at around 1 pm "with no violence."

The Mossos sent drones, helicopters, and officers specialized in high-risk situations (GEI units), who were able to arrest the 40-year-old after several hours.

The Mossos' criminal investigation department has already opened an inquiry.

Several neighbors said that the alleged murderer was "conflictive" and had criminal records. "He was very problematic, he is always involved in brawls."