NYPD: Soccer coach murder suspect left note

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City police commissioner Ray Kelly says the suspect in the street killing of a popular youth soccer coach left a note with his brother before he fled to Mexico.

According to Kelly, the note says in part: "I love you guy very much. I hope you can forgive me." It closed with, "I'm sorry." "

Orlando Orea, also known as Orlando Gutierrez or Orlando Estevas, bought a one-way ticket on an Aero Mexico flight with cash moments before it was scheduled to leave from Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday morning. He is suspected by police of slashing 25-year-old Michael Jones to death last weekend in Manhattan's Union Square.

The victim, Michael Jones, was a youth coach with the New York Red Bulls professional soccer team. He was a native of Tarleton, England.

He was slashed early Sunday on 14th Street in Manhattan's Union Square neighborhood. Police arrived to the bloody scene where Jones had been slashed in the neck and torso and his ear sliced off. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police say they don't know what led to the killing. They no longer believe it could have been a case of mistaken identity.

Kelly says the U.S. State Department and Mexico authorities also are working to track down 32-year-old Orea.

"We are doing everything we can to put the process in motion to get this individual back here," he said. "We have to find him first. He is not in custody."

Kelly says an indictment in the case is expected soon.

"We know the village he is from in Mexico. Hopefully, we will be able to have the Mexican authorities locate him and take him into custody," Kelly said.

Jones lived in West Harrison, in Westchester County.

The New York Red Bulls, a Major League Soccer team, held a memorial Wednesday in Westchester County attended by hundreds.

Jones' body is being returned to England. His family lives in Tarleton, near Liverpool.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SURVEILLANCE PHOTOS OF THE SUSPECT

---
Get Eyewitness News Delivered

Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters | Text Alerts

Get more New York News »

new york city, stabbing, manhattan, union square, murder, new york news, marcus solis

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•