Two men have been charged in connection with a murder after a suitcase containing a body was discovered by a family during a teddy bear hunt. Police were initially alerted to a potential murder at an address on Kingfisher Court in Wandsworth on Thursday at 10:55 p.m. Officers responding to the scene did not find anyone inside the property but suspected foul play and initiated a murder investigation.
Joshua Miller, 32, and Jamie Cooper, 27, both of Kingfisher Court, were subsequently arrested. The Metropolitan Police announced on Saturday that Miller has been charged with murder, and both men have been charged with preventing a lawful burial. They were taken into custody and are scheduled to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The body of the male victim was found on Friday in a woodland area within Borstal Recreation Ground in Rochester, Kent. The discovery was made by a family taking part in a teddy bear hunt, who alerted the police after finding the suitcase, reportedly covered in flies.
Investigators stated that the victim and the two men charged were known to each other. A third man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has since been released on bail.
While formal identification of the victim is pending, police believe they have identified him and have notified his next-of-kin, who are being supported by specialist officers. Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, leading the investigation, stated that his thoughts are with the victim's family and that the investigation is ongoing. He added that while police do not believe there is any wider risk to the public, they are appealing for anyone with information to contact them by calling 101, referencing CAD 9504/9JUL.