Bilbao gay murders: Suspect turns himself in and denies involvement

A man who police suspect is responsible for the murders of several gay men in Bilbao (northern Spain) has turned himself in and denied any involvement, Spanish media reported Thursday evening, citing police information.

His photo had previously been published in Spanish media. Nelson David M. B. turned himself in at a police station in the city of Irun, on the French border, and was immediately arrested, the Basque newspaper El Correo reported.

Four murders were committed in Bilbao, El Mundo and other Spanish media reported on Wednesday, citing the authorities in Basque Country.

They suspected a young man aged 25, based on a description provided by a man who managed to escape in December. The perpetrator apparently forgot a backpack with documents and liquid ecstasy in the victim's apartment, which he used to drug the victim.

The suspect, a Colombian national, is thought to be behind at least four cases of murder from last year. Other possible cases are still under investigation.

Money stolen

The media reports say all of the victims had contacted the killer through the dating app Grindr and invited him home where they were drugged.

The killer also reportedly stole money from the victims' bank accounts.

The Basque Country police (Ertzaintza) have not released an official statement for the time being but they confirmed the reports and said an investigation is ongoing.

The suspect has a history of fraud and told the police that he is willing to collaborate to clarify the facts.