Baltimore Orioles Relief Pitcher Alfredo Simon Main Suspect in Shooting Death

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CBS/AP) Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Alfredo Simon is the main suspect in the New Year's Eve killing of a man in the Dominican Republic, police said Sunday.

According to authorities, Simon is suspected of shooting and killing 25-year-old Michel Castillo Almonte and wounding his 17-year-old brother during a celebration in the northeast coastal town of Luperon. Police said Simon, who is from the Dominican Republic, fled after the fatal incident and is believed to be hiding in the city of Santiago.

Felipe Alou Jr., a Dominican representative for the Orioles, said he spoke with Simon on Saturday and the player said he was in the area where the shooting took place, but maintained that he was not involved in the shootings.

"He says to us that the wounded man can confirm that he was not the one who fired," Alou told The Associated Press.

The injured teenager was reportedly shot in the right arm and remains hospitalized in Santiago.

Police Maj. Pablo Cuevas said he is confident Simon will turn himself in to authorities by Monday. The 29-year-old pitcher could face up to 30 years in prison if found guilty.

Simon joined Baltimore in 2008, but was quickly sidelined with an injury. He went 4-2 with a 4.93 ERA last season. He had 17 saves before Orioles manager Buck Showalter decided to make Koji Uehara the closer.