- Detained for committing homicide on a soccer field in Spain
The sensational murder of an 11-year-old boy during a football match in Spain is seemingly close to being solved, only a day after the horrific event. A 20-year-old individual is in custody, suspected of committing the crime, as reported by RTVE and other news sources, quoting authorities. The arrest was made in the quiet town of Mocejón, near Toledo, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Madrid. It was here where a masked person fatally stabbed the young Mateo on Sunday, in full view of his teammates and numerous witnesses.
According to various media outlets, the attacker barged onto the field and fatally stabbed the child with a sharp object. He then disappeared without a trace. When paramedics arrived, the boy had already sustained a fatal heart attack and couldn't be resuscitated. A widespread manhunt ensued immediately for the assailant, with helicopters also joining the search.
The tragic incident sparked widespread anger and deep sadness amongst Spaniards. In Mocejón, a town of around 5,000 inhabitants, a moment of silence was observed on Sunday, and a three-day period of mourning was declared. The President of the Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, asserted on platform X, "The perpetrator will face the full extent of the law's wrath."
Following the arrest, several questions remained unanswered. Spanish officials dismissed any suggestions of a terror attack. A family spokesperson confirmed that the attack was deliberate and the perpetrator was well-acquainted with the football field.
The suspect was apprehended near the same football field where the tragic incident occurred. During their investigation, authorities discovered that the accused often visited the football field.
