Two Men from Shepherd's Bush Identified as Bodies in Suitcases
Man arrested in Bristol charged with their murder
Police forensics officers on Scotts Road in Shepherd's Bush. Picture: Facebook
July 15, 2024
A 34-year-old Colombian national has been charged with two murders and police have named the victims as residents of Shepherd’s Bush.
Yostin Andres Mosquera, whose address was given as the Scotts Road flat where police say human remains were discovered, was charged in the early hours of Monday, 15 July and is due to appear in custody later the same day at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
The dead men have been named as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth who lived at the Scotts Road flat. Mr Longworth was British and Mr Alfonso was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship. It is believed Mosquera had been staying with them for a short period of time. The victims had previously been in a relationship with each other but still lived together in the same flat.
On Wednesday 10 July, a man was observed fleeing the scene near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol and shortly afterwards a suitcase containing human remains was discovered. Then on Friday afternoon (12 July), the police cordoned off part of Scotts Road and later announced that more remains had been found . On the same day, police arrested a 36-year-old man in Greenwich, but he was released without charge.
Following a joint operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police and Avon and Somerset Police, a man was arrested by armed officers at Temple Meads Station in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday, 13 July. Police now say that Mr Mosquera travelled to Bristol from London on the day of the initial find.
The police have said they are making enquiries to establish whether there may be any linked offences in the UK or overseas but so far none have been identified.
The evidence gathered so far does not suggest there was a homophobic motive in this case, but officers have followed national guidelines and have initially categorised the incident as a hate crime.
A picture on Yostin Andres Mosquera's social media account showed him in a Chiswick pub
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said, “My thoughts are first and foremost with Albert and Paul’s loved ones who are coming to terms with this terrible news.
“While we do not believe either of them had any close family, we have identified other next of kin who have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. We are continuing to try and identify any extended family members.
“I know that this awful incident will cause concern not just among residents in Shepherd’s Bush but in the wider LGBTQ+ community across London. I hope it will be of some reassurance that whilst enquiries are still ongoing and the investigation is at a relatively early stage, we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the two murders.
“Officers have worked with the pan-London LGBTQ+ Independent Advisory Group (IAG) since the identity of the two victims and their sexuality was established. Their advice, expertise and support for the investigation has been extremely valuable.
“We will continue to work with them, and with other partners including local IAGs, as the investigation and the policing response continues.”
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Anyone who has information that could assist the investigation is urged to call police on 101 with the reference 306/12JUL. Information can also be provided to the LGBTQ+ charity Galop by visiting www.galop.org.uk
To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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