Algerian Fugitive Arrested in Alicante for Murdering Young Host in France

In a joint operation between the National Police and French authorities, an 18-year-old Algerian fugitive was captured in Alicante. He had fled France after killing his roommate, who had taken him in after he arrived illegally in the country just over a month ago, as confirmed by TodoAlicante. The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued an arrest and extradition warrant.

The National Police Fugitive Brigade in Spain received what is known as the 'red notice', the arrest warrant with the fugitive's details and photograph issued by Interpol. Specialists located him within weeks in Alicante and set up a surveillance operation until his arrest. The police operation cornered him in the residential area where he lived, in Plaza de Orán, between Virgen del Carmen and Colonia Requena.

The investigation also revealed that the young man entered France illegally and settled in the town of Saint-Étienne, south of Lyon, where he was taken in by the victim, a 25-year-old nightclub bouncer. A relative found the body on the sofa, with no gunshot or stab wounds. After conducting an autopsy, forensic experts confirmed the cause of death as a cardiac arrest induced by strangulation.

The motive for the crime remains unclear. Investigators are considering the possibility of a drug-related vendetta, as drug residues were found near the body.

From the outset, the now-detained individual was the sole suspect, as the victim's family knew he had been taken in days before the murder. Afterward, he disappeared without a trace. French authorities launched an investigation to capture the alleged murderer.

Initial investigations suggested that the young man left Saint-Étienne hours after committing the crime. Investigators reviewed numerous security camera images from train and bus stations but failed to locate him.

It appears the fugitive reached Spain through clandestine routes, ending his escape in Alicante. He is now in police custody awaiting extradition proceedings to France.