Police appeal to gay community in murder case after dead body discovered in a ditch
The police have issued an appeal to the gay community for information – a year after a man’s body was discovered, apparently murdered and dumped in a ditch.
Thames Valley Police issued the appeal a year on from the shocking discovery of human remains in Warfield, Bracknell.
The man has been identified as Lithuanian national Aivaras Danilevicius, who is thought to have had links to the gay community in London.
Mr Danilevicius came to the UK in 1996 and was killed at some point after late summer 2004 – with his remains only discovered by workmen eleven years later.
There appeared to be blunt force trauma injuries to the victim’s head that may have contributed to his death, though the cause of death has not been officially determined. Authorities believe he was killed in a different location before his body was dumped in the village.
His next of kin has visited the UK and are in contact with the enquiry team.
Investigating officer, Det Sgt Paul Quinton from the Major Crime Unit said: “We suspect that Aivaras Danilevicius was killed at some point after late summer 2004.
“Our enquiries so far have led us to believe that Aivaras potentially had connections within the gay community in London.
“Therefore we are appealing to anyone, and in particular members of the gay community, to assist us in locating Aivaras’ friends and associates.
“This in turn may help us to understand better the circumstances surrounding his murder and potentially assist us in identifying the offender or offenders responsible for his death.
“I would like to speak to anyone who had any connection with Aivaras in the years before his death, or who knows anything about his associations in London, particularly within the gay community. It is believed he came to the UK in 1996 and remained predominantly in the London area.
“I appreciate it is a few years ago now, but any detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you, or any clue that will help us to trace people who knew Aivaras, could be hugely important to this investigation, so please get in touch.”
Det Sgt Quinton added: “As I am sure anyone can imagine, Aivaras’ family are desperate to find out what happened to their loved one. If you know something or someone who could help, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
If you have any information about the incident please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.
