Search for suspected serial killer widens

Latest developments:

Doctor's death scrutinized
Father: Cunanan is innocent
Versace memorial services held

July 18, 1997
Web posted at: 12:24 p.m. EDT (1624 GMT)

MIAMI BEACH, Florida (CNN) -- Law enforcement officials tightened security across South Florida on Friday in their search for elusive serial killer suspect Andrew Cunanan. The FBI warned residents he could be nearby, and authorities focused on Miami's busy airport, seaport and bus terminals.

Police were busy tracking leads from people who called in with tips, claiming they had seen Cunanan throughout the region -- driving in Key Largo, at a Key West dance club, and drinking about 15 miles (24 km) from where Italian designer Gianni Versace was slain Tuesday.

Anne Figueiras of the FBI comments on the investigation:
	416 K/37 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

Cunanan is wanted in connection with at least five slayings across the nation, including Versace's. Authorities have said Cunanan, 27, may be targeting gay men, but also have warned that the suspect poses a threat to anyone.

Rewards of at least $65,000 have been offered for information leading to Cunanan's capture.

Doctor's death scrutinized

Investigators also reportedly were checking for any possible connection between the death of a Miami Beach doctor Thursday and the Versace slaying.

Dr. Silvio Alfonso, 44, was found dead in his home, about 15 miles (24 km) from where Versace was gunned down.

The New York Times quoted an unidentified law enforcement official Friday as saying police dogs that had picked up a scent in clothing left by the suspect in Versace's shooting seemed to recognize the same scent when they were taken to the scene of the doctor's slaying.

But law enforcement officials told The Washington Post Alfonso's killing appeared to have resulted from a domestic dispute involving his brother.

Metro-Dade homicide Sgt. Lou Alvarez said Alfonso had died from "trauma to the upper part of his body."

In addition, The Miami Herald reported that investigators were probing a possible Cunanan link to the May 12 beating death of a gay man, Casey Patrick Sigler, in his Miami Beach apartment.

Father: Cunanan is innocent

Cunanan's Filipino father said he believes his son is innocent and that he is not gay.

Modesto Cunanan, a former stockbroker in California, abandoned the family in 1988 and fled to the Philippines when he learned he was wanted for illegal financial dealings. Philippine investigators located him Thursday in Plaridel, a town north of Manila.

Under questioning by police, the father said he did not believe his son killed Versace and disputed his ex-wife Marie Celino's assertion that Cunanan was a male prostitute, Plaridel police Chief Celidonio Morales said.

"She was lying," Morales quoted Modesto Cunanan as saying. "My son is not like that. He is not a high-class male prostitute. He had a Catholic upbringing. He was an altar boy."

Versace memorial services

Friends and admirers of and local dignitaries gathered to remember the world-renowned fashion maverick at a public memorial Mass Friday at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Miami Beach.

Versace's family, which left Thursday to take his ashes home to Italy, issued a statement saying it was "profoundly moved by the incredible demonstration of esteem and affection shown by the whole world for Gianni."

The family was expected to hold a private service this weekend at the lakeside town of Como, where Versace had a villa.

In addition to the Versace slaying, Cunanan is suspected of four killings in Minnesota, Illinois and New Jersey since April 29. He has been charged in three of those cases. The latest charge came Thursday in the May 3 slaying of millionaire Chicago developer Lee Miglin, whom police say had been stabbed and tortured.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Message Board: Post your comments on the Versace shooting

Related sites:

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Andrew Phillip Cunanan - FBI 10 Most Wanted
HeraldLink - online version of The Miami Herald
- Versace: Stylish life, brutal death - extended coverage from The Miami Herald
Giani Versace - information from Moda Online, including a biography.
Gianni Versace - 87 photographs
Versace Home Page - from VIABAZAAR, a web site dedicated to the best of Italian fashion
Broward County Sheriff's Office
Miami Beach Police Department
Serial Killer Info Site - information about serial killers and their minds including criminal profiling and forensics

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