Spanish police have dismissed the suspicious death of Irish tourist Michael Grant as a murder investigation, despite the severity of his injuries after he was initially thought to have been hit by a car.
The dramatic change of policy came after security guard investigators were unable to find any CCTV footage of the 44-year-old’s road accident, despite an “exhaustive search”.
Local media reported that police are now investigating the theory that he may have had an argument with a so-called “show-off” man, which escalated into a fight.
The tourist was found with severe wounds to his chest and legs and police initially believed he may have been involved in a hit-and-run accident.
He also had mysterious bite marks, which police have yet to explain.
Now sources have confirmed that despite the 44-year-old man’s injuries being inconsistent, a post-mortem examination has shown that his death will not be treated as a homicide.
“The holidaymaker’s injuries are not life-threatening and this investigation is not, and is not expected to become, a murder or homicide investigation at this stage,” police said.
“But we are investigating the hours leading up to his death because something happened that needs to be properly explained.”
“All of the evidence indicates this man was involved in some sort of altercation and was struck by a vehicle in what may be an unrelated incident.”
A former homicide officer said the case “smells of murder.”
Peter Brexley said he was concerned that Spanish law enforcement officials were only employing one or two methods and developing different theories.
“There are a lot of red flags,” he said.
“From what we’ve heard, there are bite marks, other wounds which appear to have glass mixed in and injuries to the leg which may or may not have been caused by being hit by a car.
“There are a lot of question marks hanging over here.”
He continued: “I apply a rule that was once in the murder investigation handbook, which is to assume it is a murder unless there is evidence to the contrary.
“Because there are obviously a lot of questions here.
“How can we be sure that the alcohol and cocaine in his blood are not related to any injuries he may have sustained?
“But with the bite marks and possible vehicles that could be linked to them, it’s possible they could all be part of one particular story.”
“Certainly, they may be separate and completely unrelated, but only if I take the position that I am going to treat this as a murder case, and therefore will be looking at all possibilities until it is proven that it is not a murder case.”
No apparent link was found between the traffic accident and his death, but the incident remains a mystery.
Local media reported that police are now investigating the theory that he may have had an argument with a so-called “show-off” man, which escalated into a fight.
“There are still a lot of unanswered questions and we need to get to the bottom of it.”
An autopsy revealed that Michael had taken cocaine and alcohol prior to his death, and police believe his sudden collapse and death were related to this rather than an earlier altercation.
Police took saliva samples from two bite marks on the victim’s shoulder and chest in an attempt to identify the perpetrator, but were also unable to explain the mysterious bite marks.
Tissue samples were sent to Barcelona for further testing.
Michael, a physiotherapist from Waterford, suffered knee and leg injuries as well as scratches and bite marks all over his body and a cut on his back with glass still lodged in it.
The coroner had previously said a pre-mortem examination found injuries to the leg and knee were consistent with being hit by a car.
It is unclear at this time how much evidence police have in support of this investigation.
Michael, who was on holiday with his wife Leanne and at least two of their four children, as well as other family members who had travelled from Ireland, collapsed at about 4.30am on Monday in Martin Ross Street, close to Magaluf’s notorious Punta Ballena.
He had reportedly spent the afternoon drinking by the hotel pool before heading out to party, then took a wrong turn and became separated from the rest of his group.
Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was identified by his hotel wristband and the names of his wife and children tattooed on his back.
They were staying at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park & Resort in Magaluf, which has been described online as a popular hotel for families with small children.
St Joseph’s AFC Waterford Football Club, where Michael was his childhood head coach, paid tribute to the deceased, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved club member and childhood head coach Michael Grant.
“As you all know, Michael was more than just a coach to us – he was a much-loved friend and as a club and his family we need time to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss.”
“Michael was an integral part of our community and his absence will be deeply felt. He was more than just a coach, he was a mentor and friend to all of our children and adult members at St. Joseph.”
“More recently, his dedication, passion and love for his children was evident in everything he did. He cherished each and every one of them, and I think you will all agree that his impact was immeasurable.”
“Our deepest condolences go to Michael’s family, his wife Leanne, his children Kayleigh, Niamh, Shay and Sophia, his parents Sam and Marie, his brothers, sisters and extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this extremely difficult time.”
“We also want to acknowledge the grief and shock that our own children and members are experiencing. Michael was an important figure in their lives and his loss is very personal to each of us.”