Southampton Common murder - £20,000 reward on offer for information

Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given anonymously to the charity that leads to the conviction of those responsible for the murder of Ernest Konrad Deputat.

Ernest Deputat

We are appealing for information about 45-year-old Ernest, 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 have been notified, and a murder investigation has been launched by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. At this time, no suspects or motive have been established. 

The tragedy has deeply affected both the victim’s loved ones and the wider community. With a significant reward now on offer, Crimestoppers is urging 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 us what you know and remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed. Call free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

“Someone knows what happened in that woodland. We’re appealing to members of the public, including those who may feel nervous about contacting the police, to speak up through Crimestoppers. You can stay completely anonymous – even if you were to collect a cash reward. 

“We never ask for your name and we cannot trace your call, your device or your location. This reward is there to encourage anyone with information to tell us what they know and to ensure justice is served for the man whose life ended in such a tragic way.”

Beth Simpson, Regional Manager for South Central West at the charity Crimestoppers.

Anonymity: Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity, meaning that people who call or contact us 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 our charity on 0800 555 111. If you contact us via our online form anonymously, the 'keeping in contact’ facility must be used and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact.
 
More details about the rewards process – at the heart of which is ensuring you stay 100% anonymous - can be found here.

3 November 2025