Michael Jones (AP)
The fiend suspected of fatally slashing a soccer coach in Union Square left behind a note apologizing for the murder, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said today.
“It’s a note that basically makes a statement that he’s sorry,” Kelly said.
Asked if that constituted an admission of guilt, he responded: “We’ll see.”
A law-enforcement source told The Post that the note translates to, “I love you guys very much. I hope you can forgive me. I’m sorry.”’’ It mentioned Orea’s girlfriend and a possible baby, the source added.
Sources said it was unclear in the letter if Orland Orea, 32, was apologizing for killing Michael “Jonesy” Jones or for causing trouble for his baby mama — identified only as Kari — and his brother Sergio. The note included messages to each but did not appear to be specifically addressed to either, the sources said.
The NYPD has launched an international manhunt for the suspect, Orlando Orea, who bought a one-way ticket to Mexico on Tuesday, 15 hours before his name was added the to the national no-fly list.
Police uncovered the note while executing a warrant at the Queens home that Orea shared with his brother,Sergio, who has been interviewed by investigators, Kelly said.
Kelly said the NYPD is in contact with the State Department, Mexican authorities and Interpol and is “doing everything we can” to bring Orea back to New York to face justice.
“We anticipate this individual’s going to be indicted soon,” he added.
“We know the village he’s from in Mexico. So hopefully we’ll be able to get the Mexican authorities locate him and take him into custody. We will most likely be sending personnel there shortly.”
At the moment, the suspect’s still at large, but his brother told police that the family is from the Mexican city of Puebla, just south of Mexico City and where many of the Mexican immigrants in New York City are from as well.
Karl Hogan, an Irish-born youth soccer coach who shared an apartment with the victim in Westchester, called the apology too little too late — and said it would mean nothing to the dead man’s family.
“This isn’t going to bring any comfort to anybody,” Hogan told The Post.
“I don’t think that’s gonna help in any way. I mean, he‘s the one who is responsible for the stabbing, it wasn’t an accident.”
Hogan said if Orea were truly remorseful, he wouldn’t have fled.
“If he’s sorry, he should be giving himself up. If he’s sorry, come back and face it,” he said.
Kelly spoke to reporters after the annual ceremony adding the names of fallen police officers to the memorial in Battery Park City.
This year’s list included the names of 15 officers, the most ever, including 13 who died of illnesses contracted during rescue and recovery work at Ground Zero.
Two of the officers — Detective Peter Figoski and Alain Schaberger — were killed after responding to 911 calls, one a burglary and another a domestic violence incident.