William Hunter Captured in Spain After Fleeing Murder Conviction
After 17 months on the run, William Hunter, 34, has been arrested in Spain for the murder of 22-year-old British national Elliot Mulligan in Albufeira, Portugal.
Hunter fatally stabbed Mulligan in an apartment in April 2022. Though he was convicted of murder in May 2023, he appealed the verdict and was released on bail in April 2024 after reaching the maximum legal remand period.
Soon after, he violated his bail conditions and fled, prompting a major international manhunt. On September 15, Hunter was captured in Alicante, Spain, by Guardia Civil officers, following months of coordinated work involving the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Portuguese Judicial Police, Merseyside Police, and Spain’s fugitive task force.
Hunter is currently in custody in Spain as extradition proceedings begin to return him to Portugal to serve his 16-year prison sentence for murder.
Gill Duggan, Head of Europe for the NCA, stated:
“Our pursuit of Hunter was relentless, driven by a deep commitment to securing justice for those who love Elliot. He is behind bars where he belongs.”
Detective Superintendent Mark Drew of Merseyside Police added:
“We are committed to working with our partners to capture those who evade justice. We hope this arrest brings some comfort to Elliot’s family.”
The operation underscores the growing importance of cross-border intelligence sharing and collaboration in tracking down dangerous fugitives worldwide.
