A £20,000 reward for information about the murder of Ernest Konrad Deputat has been extended until 3 May. The 45-year-old’s body was discovered in Southampton Common woodland on 8 October 2025.
Mr Deputat, a Polish national living off-grid and known to Southampton’s homeless community, was found near the wildlife reserve in the centre of the Common, north of the Ornamental Lake. Evidence of a fire was also discovered at the scene.
A member of the public made the grim discovery on that Wednesday morning. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary launched a murder investigation, but no arrests have been made to date.
The independent charity Crimestoppers has extended its reward appeal, urging anyone with information to come forward anonymously. The organisation operates separately from police and guarantees complete anonymity to those providing information.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts remain with Ernest’s family, to whom we continue offering support. This has been, and remains, a large-scale investigation.”
He added: “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 can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or through their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. The charity never asks for personal details, traces computer IP addresses, or records telephone calls.
To qualify for the reward, information must be passed directly to Crimestoppers rather than police. Those calling should request a reward code, whilst online contacts must use the ‘keeping in contact’ facility and request a code during initial contact.
