On August 27, 2020, a horrific discovery was made by a member of the public; human remains in black bin bags in the River Stour, Sudbury, England.
The remains had been weighed down with bricks. Air fresheners and household carrier bags were also found in the black bags.
The victim has been forensically profiled as a white man of North European descent, in his late 50s to early 60s, and around 5ft 6in to 5ft 9in tall. Unfortunately his identity remains a mystery.
“The DNA profile of the victim has been compared on both UK and international databases, but despite this the victim remains unidentified.” Said senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Mike Brown.
The victim’s remains had been cleanly dismembered at the joints and 27 lacerations were found on his skull, believed to have been caused by a bladed weapon. Thought these are not thought to be the cause of death.
Detective Superintendent Mike Brown said the “expertise” shown in the dismemberment of the body could point to organised crime.
It is believed that the remains were dumped in the River around 7-10 days before they were found. However police believe the man died between 2008-2012. This means the body would have been stored somewhere else prior to being dumped, likely in dry, airless conditions.
“This was someone’s loved one. This was somebody’s family member.
“There will be people out there who will be missing them. Until we identify them we can’t bring justice to their family.” Said DSI Brown.
He also said it was likely that the victim wasn’t local to Sudbury.
In 2021, a 26-year-old man from Sudbury was arrested in connection with the inquiry but released with no further action.
The case has appeared on Crimewatch in efforts to garner more information.
DSI Brown said:
“I would reiterate our appeal to members of the public again… Cast your mind back to the period between 2008 and 2012.
“If you knew a man aged in his late 50s or early 60s at that time, who suddenly disappeared without a trace (you might think he had simply moved away) then please contact us.
“This man must have family of friends somewhere that are missing him and we are determined to find out who he is and who is responsible for his death.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Investigation Team online or on 01473 613513 or CrimeStoppers anonymously online or by calling 0800 555 111.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglndlw758ko
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/23874102.everything-know-sudbury-bones-discovery-suffolk
