A Colombian national has been charged with the murder of two men whose remains were found in two suitcases close to the Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol last week.
Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, has been charged with the murder of Paul Longworth, 71, and his 62-year-old partner Albert Alfonso, who was originally from France.
Mr. Longworth and Mr. Alfonso lived as a couple in a house in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, and Mr. Mosquera is understood to have been their lodger.
Mr. Mosquera is due to make an appearance at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday and will probably go on trial next year at the Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey.
Avon and Somerset Police launched a manhunt last week after an individual ran off after being challenged as he left the suitcases on the bridge, which spans the Avon gorge and the river Severn just west of Bristol.
The investigation was taken over by the Metropolitan Police on Friday and the focus switched to a house in Scotts Road, Shepherds Bush, where the victims had lived.
In a statement on its website, the Met said, “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.”
Detectives Trying to ‘Build a Full Picture’
“Detectives will continue to build a full picture of the circumstances, including any previous incident that may be linked in any way to this case,” the force added.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.”
He said neither man was believed to have any close family but had identified some relatives who had been informed and were being supported by specialist officers.
Mr. Valentine said “this awful incident” would have caused concern among residents of Shepherd’s Bush and the gay community across London.
“I hope it will be of some reassurance that, whilst inquiries 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,” he added.
