The Guardia Civil has arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of the brutal stabbing of Mateo, an 11-year-old boy, in the small town of Mocejón, Toledo. The tragic incident occurred Sunday morning when Mateo played football with friends at a local sports facility.
The suspect, who was apprehended in the same town where the crime took place, has reportedly confessed to the killing during police questioning, according to sources close to the investigation.
“Barbaric crime”
The chilling event has left the community of Mocejón, a town of just 5,000 inhabitants, in shock. The local authorities, led by the Government Delegate Milagros Tolón, have condemned the act as a “barbaric crime” that has devastated the town. On the day of the arrest, two private residences, including the suspect’s home, were searched as part of the investigation. However, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the weapon used has yet to be recovered.
Weapon location
The stabbing occurred at around 10.00 am on Sunday at the Ángel Tardío sports facility, located on the outskirts of Mocejón. Mateo was playing with two other children when a young man with his face covered entered the grounds and attacked him. After committing the act, the assailant fled the scene. Initial reports suggested that the suspect had escaped in a vehicle, but this was later refuted. The Guardia Civil is now focused on locating the weapon used in the attack, which remains missing.
Young man with light hair
Residents of Mocejón have described the suspect as a young man with light hair, of medium height, and very thin. He was reportedly staying with his father in Mocejón, although he primarily resides in Madrid with his mother. The arrest took place at a residence on Calle Dalí, where a crowd gathered as the news spread. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect’s father, who asked not to be filmed by the media, expressing his desire to return to his home without being implicated in the incident.
Sad situation
Mateo, the victim, was a well-known child in Mocejón, where his family runs a local bakery. The family’s spokesperson, Asell Sánchez-Vicente, expressed gratitude for the support they have received and urged the community not to jump to conclusions based on rumours that had circulated regarding the suspect’s identity. “This is a very sad situation, and the only thing that matters is justice for Mateo. We want justice, not vengeance,” Sánchez-Vicente stated.
Review of security measures in rural areas
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about rural security. The association Justicia para la Guardia Civil (JUCIL) has called for a review of security measures in rural areas. They noted that it took 40 minutes for law enforcement to respond to the incident. The group highlighted the need for more resources and quicker response times in such areas. Moreover, they emphasised the importance of protecting communities like Mocejón from future tragedies.
Also read: Search for the killer who stabbed 11-year old boy on Spanish football field continues