Southampton Common murder – Crimestoppers’ £20,000 reward for information extended until May

We are sharing the following extended reward appeal on behalf of the independent charity, Crimestoppers. The reward for information has been extended until Sunday 3 May.

The appeal is for information about 45-year-old Ernest Konrad Deputat, whose body was found on Wednesday 8 October 2025 in woodland on Southampton Common by a member of the public.

His body was close to the wildlife reserve in the centre of the Common, north of the Ornamental Lake. Investigators have said there was also evidence of a fire.

Ernest was a Polish national, who was living off-grid and known to the homeless community in the city.

His family were notified, and a murder investigation launched by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. At this time, no arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.

The tragedy deeply affected both the victim’s loved ones and the wider community.

With a significant reward remaining on offer, Crimestoppers continues to urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward anonymously.

Do you have any information which could help? You can tell Crimestoppers what you know and remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed. Call them free on 0800 555 111 or fill in their online form on their website.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, said: “First and foremost, as I have stressed throughout our investigation to date, our thoughts remain with Ernest’s family, to whom we continue offering support.

“This has been, and remains, a large-scale investigation. Our hard work is ongoing, as it has been since our investigation first commenced on Wednesday 8 October.

“While some months have now passed since the discovery of Ernest’s body, we remain committed and steadfast in our determination to establish exactly what happened to Ernest, so that we can achieve answers and justice for his family."

Crimestoppers in an independent charity that is completely separate from the police. They exist to give people a way to speak up about crime anonymously. You will never be asked for your personal details.

Anonymity: Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity, meaning that people who call or contact them online can pass on what they know without ever giving any personal details.

Computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.

Claiming a reward: The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling the charity on 0800 555 111.

If you contact Crimestoppers via their online form anonymously, the 'keeping in contact’ facility must be used and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact.