16th January 2026
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Suspect confesses to child murder in Toledo, as police search for weapon

Spain’s Guardia Civil police have arrested a suspect for the murder of an 11-year-old boy as he played football with his friends in Mocejón, near the city of Toledo (Castilla-La Mancha) on Sunday, following a 36-hour manhunt. ALSO READ: Manhunt in Spain after 11-year-old boy is killed while playing football.

The 20-year-old suspect, a Spanish national, has reportedly confessed to the murder, according to Spanish media.

On Sunday morning the suspect managed to gain entry onto a sports pitch in Mocejón and then attacked a group of boys with a knife. The group managed to run away but the boy who was killed – named only as Mateo in the Spanish media – allegedly tripped and fell. He was then stabbed several times and died almost immediately, according to reports.

Some Spanish media have suggested that the suspect, who has not been named, suffers from mental illness. La Sexta TV reported that the alleged killer knew the victim and his friends, and that he is a Madrid resident who was visiting his father in the town.

Both the father – whose house is close to the sports centre where the murder occurred – and his grandmother live in Mocejón. Police have searched both properties in the town.

The police investigation is now focused on finding a motive for the crime, something investigators have so far been unable to find. A canal in the area is also being searched for the murder weapon.

READ ALSO: Spain in shock after boy playing football stabbed to death

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