Further CCTV appeal as investigation continues into death of man on Southampton Common
The body of Ernest Konrad Deputat, 45, was found in a wooded area in October
Detectives are calling on the public to review their CCTV footage as they continue investigating the death of a man whose body was found on Southampton Common last month.
The body of 45-year-old Ernest Konrad Deputat was discovered on 8th October in a wooded area near the wildlife reserve in the centre of the common, north of the Ornamental Lake and to the right of Green Path.
Hampshire Constabulary's Major Crime Team is working to uncover the circumstances surrounding Ernest’s death and has issued a fresh appeal for help.
Detectives are particularly seeking footage from midnight to 4am on Saturday 6th September, focusing on the areas of Bedford Place and The Polygon in Southampton.
Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, who is leading the investigation, said: “As part of our ongoing enquiries, we are specifically appealing for anyone with any footage from midnight until 4am on Saturday 6th September... The footage may be from a mobile phone, dash cam, doorbell camera or any other form of CCTV.”
Understandably, some cameras may only store footage for a short period, but lead investigators stress that other systems, such as cloud storage, may still contain relevant material.
“We would ask that people please take the time to check this before assuming the footage is no longer available," Chief Inspector Gillooly said.
He added that recent breakthroughs in retrieving earlier footage prove the potential value of video evidence from that time and urged people to thoroughly assess their camera rolls and recording devices.
“My thoughts remain with Ernest's family at this unimaginably difficult time,” Chief Inspector Gillooly said. “We will continue to support them and remain committed to determining Ernest’s final movements, so that we can achieve answers and justice for his family.”
Anyone with footage or information is encouraged to call 101, quoting incident number 44250456238. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online through the Public Portal.