The suspect has been placed in custody and will be questioned later in the day by the County Prosecutor. The police reported that the motive for the brutal murder of the Mexican tourist had still not been known but a soccer guernsey found at the crime seen belonged to the suspect.

"The suspect is an unemployed male without a previous record. Peace has returned to Split, our citizens can rest again. We once again express our condolences to the victim's family", the national Police Chief, Vlado Dominic, said.

He added that since the young Mexican tourist was reported missing by her brother on 22 August, over 280 interviews were held and 80 potential suspects questioned.

Sufficient evidence has been collected to connect the suspect to this crime. "All I can say is that the County Prosecutor will be requesting detention for the suspect", County Prosecutor Michelle Squiccimarro said without specifying what evidence was collected.

Selene Macedo went missing on 22 August on Marjan hill overlooking Split where she had gone for a walk with her brother. She wanted to take a panoramic photo of Split and had headed off on her own. Her brother alarmed the hostel management where he and his sister were staying around 10.30 pm after he had gone looking for her himself first. The hostel management reported the incident to the police and a search was conducted that same night. Macedo's body was found on 25 August.