A Liverpool man convicted of murdering his roommate in Portugal has been captured in Spain following an extensive international manhunt. William Hunter, 34, was apprehended in Alicante on September 15 by Spanish Guardia Civil officers, bringing a multi-agency search to a close.
Hunter had fled after being released on bail while appealing a 16-year prison sentence for the murder of 22-year-old Elliot Mulligan. Portuguese authorities are now initiating extradition proceedings to ensure he serves his sentence.
Key Takeaways
- William Hunter, 34, from Liverpool, was arrested in Alicante, Spain, on September 15.
- He was convicted of murdering his roommate, Elliot Mulligan, 22, in Portugal in April 2022.
- Hunter fled after being released on bail in April 2024 while appealing his 16-year sentence.
- The arrest followed a major manhunt involving law enforcement from the UK, Spain, and Portugal.
- Extradition proceedings are underway to return Hunter to Portugal to serve his sentence.
Capture in Alicante Ends Manhunt
The search for William Hunter concluded successfully on September 15 when officers from Spain's Guardia Civil located and arrested him in the coastal city of Alicante. The capture was the result of a coordinated operation that spanned several months and multiple European countries.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK played a central role, working closely with international partners. According to official sources, NCA liaison officers facilitated the constant exchange of intelligence between the Spanish fugitive team, the Portuguese Judicial Police, and Merseyside Police. This collaboration was critical in tracking Hunter's movements after he absconded.
Hunter is currently being held in custody in Spain. The next step in the legal process is his extradition to Portugal, where he will begin serving his prison term. The process is expected to be handled through established European legal channels.
Case Timeline
- April 2022: Elliot Mulligan is fatally stabbed in an Albufeira apartment.
- May 2023: William Hunter is convicted of murder and sentenced to 16 years.
- April 2024: Hunter is released on bail after his maximum remand period expires pending an appeal.
- Post-April 2024: He breaches bail conditions and flees, triggering an international manhunt.
- September 15, 2024: Hunter is arrested by Guardia Civil in Alicante, Spain.
The Murder of Elliot Mulligan
The case originates from the tragic death of Elliot Mulligan, a 22-year-old from the Croxteth area of Liverpool. In April 2022, Mulligan was fatally stabbed in an apartment he shared with Hunter in the popular tourist destination of Albufeira in Portugal's Algarve region.
Portuguese authorities launched an immediate investigation, which quickly identified Hunter as the primary suspect. He was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. The case proceeded through the Portuguese court system, highlighting the dangers that can arise even in seemingly safe holiday locations.
In May 2023, a Portuguese court found Hunter guilty of murder. He was handed a significant sentence of 16 years in prison for his actions. Throughout the trial and subsequent legal proceedings, Merseyside Police provided ongoing support to Elliot Mulligan's grieving family, who have faced a long and difficult path to justice.
How the Convicted Murderer Became a Fugitive
Despite his conviction, Hunter did not immediately begin his sentence. He lodged an appeal against the court's judgment, a legal right that initiated a lengthy appellate process. While this process was ongoing, he remained in custody on remand.
A critical turning point occurred in April 2024. Under Portuguese law, there is a maximum period a person can be held in pre-trial or pre-appeal detention. When Hunter's maximum remand period expired before his appeal was resolved, the court was legally obligated to release him from custody on bail.
Understanding Remand Periods
In many legal systems, including Portugal's, there are limits on how long a person can be detained before a final verdict or the conclusion of an appeal. These rules are in place to protect individual liberties. However, in this case, the expiration of the remand period allowed a convicted murderer to be released on bail, which he then exploited to flee.
Hunter was subjected to strict bail conditions, which he was required to follow while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. However, he soon breached these conditions and disappeared, officially becoming a fugitive. His decision to flee sparked the large-scale, multi-agency manhunt that ultimately led to his recapture in Spain.
A Coordinated International Effort
The successful tracking and arrest of Hunter demonstrate the effectiveness of modern international police cooperation. The operation relied heavily on the seamless sharing of information between law enforcement agencies across borders.
Gill Duggan, the NCA's Head of Europe, commented on the extensive work involved.
“Our pursuit of Hunter was relentless, driven by a deep commitment to securing justice for those who love Elliot. With thanks to our partners at Merseyside Police and in Spain and Portugal, Hunter is behind bars where he belongs, and where he will remain for a long time to come.”
Duggan also extended her thoughts to the victim's family, acknowledging their suffering. “Above all, our thoughts remain with Elliot’s family, who have endured an unimaginable loss and the painful reality that the man responsible had not been held accountable for his violent actions,” she stated.
Justice for Elliot's Family
For the family of Elliot Mulligan, the arrest brings a sense of relief after a prolonged period of uncertainty. The prospect of his killer being at large was an additional burden on a family already dealing with a profound loss.
Merseyside Police Detective Superintendent Mark Drew highlighted the importance of this outcome for the family and praised the international teamwork.
“We will continue to support Elliot’s family, as they finally see justice being done after their tragic loss, we hope that the arrest of William Hunter brings them some comfort.”
Drew further emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to pursue fugitives regardless of where they hide. “Merseyside Police is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners across the world. The exchange of intelligence and information across borders is vital in tracking down fugitives, and continues on a daily basis,” he added.
With Hunter's arrest, the legal process can now move towards its final conclusion, ensuring he is held accountable for the murder of Elliot Mulligan.