Guatemala refused on Thursday to grant asylum to US anti-virus software pioneer John McAfee and said he would be deported back to Belize to answer questions over his neighbour’s murder.
Shortly after learning his fate, McAfee was rushed to a police hospital from his jail cell in Guatemala City, with one lawyer saying he had suffered two mild heart attacks and another describing “heart problems” and chest pains.
The 67-year-old was later discharged and taken back to his cell, with a hospital official saying he showed signs of anxiety and high blood pressure – but no life-threatening condition.
It was the latest dramatic twist to the incredible saga surrounding the Silicon Valley legend whose thrill-seeker life reportedly descended into out-of-control hedonism centred on experimental drugs and prostitutes.
McAfee’s neighbour on the palm-fringed Belize island of Ambergris Caye, 52-year-old Florida expat Gregory Faull, was discovered on November 11 by his housekeeper with a 9mm slug in his head, lying in a pool of his own blood.
Prior to his death, Faull had orchestrated a letter of complaint to the local mayor, urging the authorities to take action because McAfee’s “vicious” dogs and aggressive security guards were scaring tourists and residents.