Murder Investigation Reopened One Year After Man Is Found Dead in Woodland as Police Search for Mystery Dog Walker

A year after 45-year-old Ernest Konrad Deputat was found dead in woodland on Southampton Common, detectives are renewing their appeal for information in a case that remains shrouded in unanswered questions.

Ernest’s body was discovered by a member of the public on October 8, 2025, near Ornamental Lake in Southampton, England. Police are continuing to investigate his death as a suspected murder and are now hoping that new information from the public could help them piece together what happened.

Ernest, who was Polish, had been living off-grid before his death. At the time of the discovery, investigators also reported evidence of a large fire at the scene. Two men, aged 30 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of murder during the investigation but were later released on conditional police bail. No conclusion about their guilt has been established.

Now, detectives are particularly keen to identify a woman captured on CCTV walking her dog on Southampton Common on the morning of September 6, 2025 — just two days before Ernest’s body was discovered. Police believe she may have seen something that could prove important to the investigation, even if it did not appear unusual at the time.

Investigators are also asking anyone who remembers Ernest being involved in a disagreement with another man in the period leading up to his death to come forward. Police want to hear about any possible confrontation, whether verbal or physical, including one that may have been connected to an ongoing dispute.

For Ernest’s family, the search for answers comes alongside the pain of losing someone they described as a modest but “dream-filled” son and brother. In a heartfelt tribute, they remembered his smile, sense of humour and the warmth he brought to conversations, saying that meeting him was unforgettable. Their message reflected the deep sense of loss left by his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly said officers’ thoughts remained with Ernest’s family, who continue to receive support from specialist officers. He stressed that the investigation is focused on securing justice and providing the family with the answers they deserve.

Police are urging anyone who recognises the woman in the CCTV footage, recalls seeing Ernest with another man, or has information about the circumstances surrounding his death to contact them. Investigators emphasise that even a small detail could become significant when pieced together with other evidence.

Source: The Sun