Police launch fresh appeal in murder of trans woman in London
Police investigating the murder of a trans woman in London have extended the ways in which information can be provided.
The victim, the Miami-born Vanessa Santillan, was found dead by police in a Fulham flat on March 28, at 9:30 PM. She was found in Romily Court, off Landridge Road, was pronounced dead at the scene – with a post-mortem showing that trauma to the head and neck was the cause of the death.
Vanessa had arrived in the UK from her home country of Mexico in January 2015 and it is believed she worked as an escort in whilst in London.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death, and has been bailed until next month.
As well as working with Galop, the LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity, Detectives have set up an email address, which allows information to be provided in both English and Spanish.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves, who leads the investigation, said: “Vanessa’s parents are devastated by the loss of their daughter. She was living many miles from home, but she was regularly in touch with her family. She last spoke to them on Friday, 27 March.
“Later that evening, she met up with a small group of friends and went out to the West End, returning home in the early hours of Saturday. I need to hear from anyone who saw Vanessa on Saturday 28 March or spoke to her, and anyone who met her while she was in London.”
The Detective continued: “A number of people have come forward to speak to us already and have provided valuable information. I want to appeal to members of all communities, including the LGBT community, to come forward with information to help us in this case.”
Any witnesses, or anyone with information that may assist police, should call the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
To provide information via Galop, London’s LGBT anti-violence & abuse charity, call 020 7704 2040,
To Skype, use ‘galop london’ or email [email protected]. You will be able to access an interpreter if English is not your first language.
Information can also be provided to the police via e-mail in English or Spanish via: [email protected].
