The solicitor representing the family of John George has confirmed that he was stabbed before being shot as they announced that they have ordered a second autopsy in the case.
Mr George was reported missing after he failed to return home from Spain in December ,and his decomposing body was discovered earlier this month.
A funeral service for John George had been due to take place on Friday, but last week, the family confirmed that it has been postponed until further notice.
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On Sunday, the local community came together in Twinbrook in a show of support for the family where they let off lanterns and balloons.
In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, the family's solicitor Kevin Winters said that the family are "encouraged" by the confirmation of arrest warrants being issued for a suspect in the case.
"We can confirm the family has received an autopsy report from the Spanish Authorities. The findings point to John having been stabbed before being shot," Mr Winters said.
"As a precautionary measure and in order to make sure we have absolute clarity on the cause of death, we have instructed another pathologist to conduct a second autopsy on Johns's remains.
"In the past few days, we have been liaising with the family together with the Coroner’s Office; the appointed pathologist and nominated Funeral Director on the logistics engaged in this very sensitive matter.
"It is hoped that the second autopsy will be completed at some stage early next week. In the interim, the family are encouraged by the latest development confirming the issuing of arrest warrants for a suspect in relation to John’s murder. They are hopeful that all engaged authorities will pursue implementation of the warrants in order to take the case to the next very important stage of the investigation."
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