£20,000 Reward Extended in Southampton Common Murder Investigation

The independent charity Crimestoppers has extended its £20,000 reward for information relating to the murder of Ernest Konrad Deputat, whose body was discovered on Southampton Common last October. The deadline for tips has now been extended until Sunday 3 May 2026.

Ernest, 45, a Polish national, was found on Wednesday 8 October 2025 in woodland near the wildlife reserve north of the Ornamental Lake. Investigators reported evidence of a fire at the scene. Ernest was living off-grid in the city and was known to the local homeless community.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary launched a murder investigation following the discovery of his body. No arrests have been made to date. The tragedy has had a profound impact on Ernest’s family and the wider community.

Crimestoppers, an independent charity separate from the police, is urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward anonymously.

How to Report:
• Phone: 0800 555 111 (ask for a reward code)
• Online: Use Crimestoppers’ anonymous form and request a reward code via the “keeping in contact” facility

Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity. Calls are not recorded, IP addresses are not traced, and personal details are never requested. The reward is only payable for information passed directly to the charity, not the police.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, Senior Investigating Officer, said:

“First and foremost, as I have stressed throughout our investigation to date, our thoughts remain with Ernest’s family, to whom we continue offering support.

“This has been, and remains, a large-scale investigation. Our hard work is ongoing, as it has been since our investigation first commenced on Wednesday 8 October.

“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.”

Members of the public with any information are being urged to come forward and help bring justice for Ernest Konrad Deputat.