The hunt for a fugitive who escaped to Mexico after the fatal stabbing of a Lancashire football coach is continuing.
Michael Jones, 25, from Tarleton, near Preston, was stabbed to death in New York on Sunday, October 7, in what is believed to have been a case of mistaken identity.
Deputy commissioner Paul Browne of New York Police Department said Interpol had flagged the name of murder suspect Orlando Orea, 32, meaning if he attempts to flee to a third country he will be stopped.
A team of investigators from the Manhattan South homicide squad and intelligence division met in Mexico City with the PGR, the office of the attorney general of Mexico.
Deputy Commissioner Browne said: “The Mexican authorities were provided a detailed overview of the case and pledged their cooperation. They have begun looking.”
Orea left a note at his Queens home saying ‘sorry’ before catching a flight to Mexico.
However, it emerged that rather than apologising for the murder, it was directed to his brother, and read: “I love you. I hope you can forgive me. I’m sorry.”
Orea has previous arrests for assault and for violating a protection order taken out by the mother of his child.
Mr Jones was found close to Union Square, near 25 West 14th Street, with stab wounds to his neck and torso. His ear had also been severed.
The New York Red Bulls paid a moving tribute to the popular junior football coach last weekend.
Fans held a minute’s applause before the US Major League Soccer side’s final home game of the season against Sporting Kansas City.
Players wore black armbands and Mr Jones’ number six on their shorts, while a photo montage was shown in memory of his life and all the work he did in his five-plus years with the Red Bulls’ youth programs.
About 25,000 people attended the game and fans were invited to sign a memorial book on the way into the club’s Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
Armonk United SC, the club Mr Jones was coaching at the time of his death, have also created a memorial fund in his honour.
To find out more visit www.mikejonesmemorialfund.com.
Comments