Brit murder suspect identified as drug addict GP
The British man arrested over the murder of a gay German in Gran Canaria is a former GP who was banned from practicing after developing a drug addiction, it was revealed today.
The man has been identified by Spanish officials as Colin Brown, 39, who was arrested for the murder after he was found to have overdosed on drugs in a suicide attempt.
Appearing in the San Bartholome de Tirajana court yesterday, Brown denied meeting or sharing a drink with the victim.
A court spokesman told The Edinburgh Evening News: “Colin Brown has appeared before an investigating judge in connection with the murder of Karl Heinz Thonningen.
“He has denied knowing the victim or being with him the night the victim died. The judge has formally declared him a suspect and remanded him.”
Brown is believed to be a former doctor who developed an addiction to cocaine and date-rape drug GHB.
According to The Edinburgh Evening News, Brown was a regular in the Edinburgh gay scene and had been arrested twice for drunken behaviour.
Karl Heinz Thonningen, 44, was stabbed to death at 0500 on Saturday after returning home from gay clubs in the popular Playa Del Ingles holiday resort.
Two ambulances attended the scene, but paramedics were unable to resuscitate him.
The victim had gone out for the night while his partner stayed in the hotel. Police have searched the area, but have been unable to find a murder weapon.
Police are treating the murder as a “crime of passion,” as no money was taken from the victim.
Police believe that Brown killed Mr Thonningen in a jealous rage after finding out he was in a long term relationship.
The judge will now hold interviews with any witnesses, including the owners of local bars.
