Spanish police have located the body of John George, also known as John Hardy, marking a tragic end to the search for the missing Belfast man. The 37-year-old father of two disappeared on 14 December during a trip to Costa Blanca is believed to have been murdered.
His remains were found on Tuesday morning in a rural area near Rojales, south of Alicante. Authorities have since launched a formal murder investigation of John George.
Forensic investigation underway
The body was discovered concealed under low-lying branches and foliage, with no effort made to bury it. A trail of dried blood on a nearby rural road indicated the body may have been hastily abandoned. Police investigators used metal detectors to examine the scene, while markings on the ground highlighted the pattern and direction of bloodstains. A post-mortem examination is pending to confirm the cause of death and the length of time the body was at the site.
A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic was arrested on suspicion of homicide but has since been released on bail
Family pays tribute
John George’s family, who travelled to Alicante to aid the search, has expressed their grief and gratitude to those who supported them. His father, Billy George, shared an emotional message on social media: “Listen I am bringing my son back to Twinbrook where he was reared. With his friends I came out here to get my son and said I not leaving till I got him. Georgie come back home. From the bottom of our hearts we can not repay the people of Belfast for the donations and support. Will never forget us from Billy George and Sharon George family appreciate everything 
“
Mr George’s sister, Courtney, expressed her heartbreak online, stating, “I love you forever and always. My body is numb with pain, and my heart is broken. You’ve taken my brother’s life and ruined mine.”
Books of condolence have been opened at both of O’Neill’s Funeral Directors in Belfast. The family has requested privacy to process their loss.
The search effort
John George was last seen on 14 December. His family raised the alarm after he failed to board his return flight on 18 December. By 23 December, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the search. The campaign is currently just over £4,000 short of its £35,000 target. Over 50 family members and friends travelled from Northern Ireland to Costa Blanca to join the effort, along with K9 Search and Rescue NI. The canine search team covered hundreds of miles before returning home shortly before the discovery of Mr George’s body.
Circumstances leading to his disappearance
Mr George had travelled to Alicante following the death of a cousin and at the encouragement of a friend living in the area. His family feared he had fallen victim to a crime after losing contact with him. Spanish authorities believe his death may have occurred soon after his last communication.
Murder investigation of John George
An Alicante-based spokesperson for the Guardia Civil stated, “The Territorial Judicial Police team of Pilar de la Horadada has been put in charge of the ongoing investigation.”
Authorities have not disclosed potential motives or further details regarding the suspect. Investigators are working to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr George’s death.
According to El Español and also comments posted on Billy George´s social media, in one of John´s last videos, it is thought he might have been trying to send a message to a “friend” who lives in Alicante. He is captured showing off his “baby” (a luxury watch) believed to have been given to him by the Russian Mafia. It is rumoured that he owed money and had travelled to Alicante to “work off” or settle his debt.
Community support
The discovery has brought closure to an “extremely tortuous search process,” according to the family’s solicitor, KRW Law. The firm expressed the family’s relief at finding John George while acknowledging their profound grief. The family has thanked the public and volunteers who assisted in the search. Furthermore, they are asking for privacy as they prepare for the next steps in the legal process.