The family of a west Belfast man feared murdered in Spain say they are returning home on Friday “broken” and expressed frustration over the investigation into his death.
A body discovered near the town of Rojales in Alicante on Tuesday has been formally identified as that of 37-year-old John George.
The Twinbrook man was reported missing on 21 December after his family had received a distressing call from the father-of-two a week earlier.
Guardia Civil police in Alicante say they have commenced a murder investigation and a 32-year-old Czech national remains in custody after being arrested.
John’s father Billy told the Irish News on Thursday that the family had grown frustrated with developments in Spain were returning home on the first flight on Friday morning.
“I’m coming home tomorrow, I’ll not be here tomorrow because I’m going to be on the first flight out of this place,” Mr George said.
“We’re finished and fed up, everybody is coming home. We will never be back here.
“I’m broken and finished, I’m a broken man.”
The grieving father added that the priority for him now was to get his son’s body home, and confirmed that the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was assisting with the process.
“We don’t know yet when we might be able to get him home, it could be 10 days or two weeks at this stage.
“The autopsy is taking place today (Thursday).
“Getting John’s body is the main thing for us now. The Kevin Bell Trust is helping us to bring him home.”
He added that he believes two other suspects in the murder of his son are still in Spain, contrary to reports that they may have travelled to other countries.
“They are looking another couple of people. They are here in Spain somewhere and they will come out eventually.”
A statement from the Guardia Civil said the “relevant steps” were being taken to determine the cause of John’s death.
“During the morning of the 7th, in the town of Rojales, the Civil Guard located the body of a male. The Pilar de la Horadada Territorial Judicial Police Team took charge of the investigations,” a statement from the police said.
“At this time, the relevant steps are being carried out to determine the causes of death and proceed with the identification of the body.
“In the absence of forensic results everything indicates that it could be a missing person whose family reported his disappearance on December 21, 2024.
“Due to these events, on the same day a 32-year-old man was arrested for an alleged crime of homicide.
“The information will be expanded as soon as we have more details.”
A death notice for the 37-year-old was published on Thursday, with a book of condolence set up.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of John George R.I.P,” the notice said.
“John died suddenly in Spain. 7th January 2025. Loving son of Billy and Sharon. Devoted father of Jason and Jacob. Beloved brother of Darren, Courtney and Caitlyn. Cherished partner of Danielle.
“House strictly private until John’s remains return home. Arrangements will be published online as soon as they are confirmed.
“There is now a Book of Condolence open in both of O’Neill’s Funeral Directors Funeral homes at 98 Stewartstown Road, Belfast and 228 Falls Road, Belfast. You are invited to call to leave your messages of Condolence to the George and Hardy families along with any Mass cards.
“John will be missed by his heartbroken sons, parents, brother, sisters, partner and all those who knew and loved him.”
