Orioles' Alfredo Simon is main suspect in killing

[January 03, 2011]  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- Police say Baltimore Orioles pitcher Alfredo Simon is the main suspect in the fatal shooting of a man in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican police said in a statement Sunday they believe Simon shot and killed 25-year-old Michel Castillo Almonte and wounded his 17-year-old brother during a New Year's Eve dispute in the northeast coastal town of Luperon.

Police say they are searching for the pitcher in his Caribbean homeland. He was born in the northwest town of Santiago.

Orioles representative Felipe Alou Jr. says he has spoken with Simon and the relief pitcher insists he was not involved in the shootings.

Simon could face up to 30 years in prison if guilty.

[Associated Press]

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