Police search for suspect after 11-year-old boy fatally stabbed while playing football in Spain
The attack occurred in Mocejón, a town with approximately 5,000 residents located about nine miles outside of Toledo, on Sunday morning.
Authorities initiated a manhunt following the fatal stabbing of an 11-year-old boy who was playing soccer near Toledo, Spain on Sunday morning.
The incident took place in Mocejón, a town of around 5,000 people located approximately nine miles outside Toledo in the central region of the country.
A significant manhunt is currently underway, with the Guardia Civil actively searching for the suspect, described as a young man driving a grey Ford Mondeo.
A moment of silence was observed outside Mocejón town hall on Sunday afternoon in honor of the victim.
The victim’s cousin, Asell Sánchez-Vincente, 39, recounted that Mateo was playing with two friends when the assailant managed to enter through a hole in a fence, as reported by El Pais.
He added, “The two friends escaped, but Mateo did not. It could have happened to anyone who was there.”
The mayor of the town, Concepción Cedillo, expressed, “It is a tragic day with the community shattered by grief. Every loss is heartbreaking, but the loss of an innocent child who was playing football with friends this morning is even more devastating.”
The boy and his family are reportedly well-known in Mocejón, operating a popular bakery, as per El Pais. The town has declared three days of official mourning.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and residents of Mocejón,” she added.
In response to the tragic events in Mocejón, Emiliano Garcia-Page, the president of the Castilla-La Mancha region, expressed shock and hoped for a swift apprehension of the culprit.
“Such incidents are intolerable and must result in a just punishment,” he emphasized.
