Epsom News
UPDATE: Murdered Ewell man may have known his killer
1:41pm Tuesday 21st February 2012
A man murdered in his own home may have known his killer police have said. The body of Winston Fernandez, 69, was found at his home in Longdown Lane North, Ewell, on the morning of Monday, February 13, after a concerned neighbour rang police having not seen him for days.
His body had been lying for at least a week before it was found fully clothed in his bedroom.
With no sign of forced entry, police suspect Mr Fernandez may have known his killer and could even have let them into his home where he lived alone, his wife having died of cancer years before.
A post mortem examination confirmed Mr Fernandez had died of ‘multiple injuries’ to his chest, neck and abdomen which were consistent with ‘no weapon’ being used suggesting he was killed with bare hands.
But despite Mr Fernandez’ body being found on Monday morning, it was not until the following Friday afternoon that police informed the community that a murder enquiry had been launched. On learning of the fatality one neighbour said: "I’m really shocked because this is a really nice area. The police have been here since Monday from 7am and they haven’t left. I think he has lived there a fairly long time. You wouldn’t expect it here. I came home and there were about five police cars. It’s a bit nerve wracking that they are still here and we haven’t been told anything."
Another neighbour said: "I spoke to the police this afternoon and they said he had passed away. I didn’t know him very well but I know he liked a drink. I only met him once, but I think he’s lived here quite a while. The police have been here for the last few days."
Speaking on BBC Surrey radio this morning, Detective Superintendent John Boshier of Surrey Police said: "At this stage there have been no arrests and we are keeping an open mind over who is responsible. We are trying to build up a picture of his lifestyle which I believe will prove crucial to solving this murder. The area is a very safe area and this is an extremely unusual and isolated incident. In terms of the delay the post mortem didn’t take place until Wednesday and it was only after that that we knew we were beginning a murder enquiry. Our priority is to notify next of kin before we pass information on."
He added: "There was no sign of forced entry. That leaves a number of options. We are keeping an open mind as to who is responsible for the murder but we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry." Police have since increased patrols in the area and are working to establish what weapon was used to inflict the injuries on Mr Fernandez. Superintendent Alan Sharp, said: "Although formal identification of the body has not yet taken place, we strongly believe the man is Mr Fernandez who had lived in the area for some time and is well known to local people. We are keen to speak with anyone who has had contact with Mr Fernandez this year and are appealing to anyone who can help establish the circumstances surrounding his death to contact officers as a matter of urgency."
Epsom and Ewell Neighbourhood Commander Inspector Craig Knight, added: "We will be increasing patrols in the area and speaking with local people to address any concerns which they may have surrounding the incident. I would like to reassure residents that incidents such as this are very rare in Surrey and we are doing all we can to find those responsible and bring them to justice."
Mr Fernandez' family have been informed of the death.
Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police urgently on 101 quoting reference EP/12/602.