£20,000 Reward Offered in Southampton Common Murder Investigation
A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered by the charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the murder of Ernest Konrad Deputat, whose body was discovered in woodland on Southampton Common last month.
The body of 45 year old Ernest Deputat, a Polish national known to the local homeless community, was found by a member of the public on Wednesday, 8 October 2025. The discovery was made near the wildlife reserve in the centre of the Common, north of the Ornamental Lake. Police investigators have confirmed that there was evidence of a fire at the scene.
A murder investigation has been launched by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, though at this stage, no suspects or motive have been identified. Ernest’s family has been informed and is receiving support.
Crimestoppers, the independent charity that allows people to share information about crime completely anonymously, has now announced a significant reward to encourage witnesses or anyone with knowledge about the incident to come forward.
“Someone knows what happened in that woodland. We’re appealing to members of the public, including those who may feel nervous about contacting the police, to speak up through Crimestoppers,” said Beth Simpson, Regional Manager for South Central West at the charity.
“You can stay completely anonymous – even if you were to collect a cash reward.
“We never ask for your name and we cannot trace your call, your device or your location. This reward is there to encourage anyone with information to tell us what they know and to ensure justice is served for the man whose life ended in such a tragic way.”
Crimestoppers has reassured the public that all information shared through its phone line or online form is 100% anonymous, with strict systems in place to protect callers’ identities.
Anonymity statement: “Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity, meaning that people who call or contact us online can pass on what they know without ever giving any personal details. Computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.”
The charity also reminded the public that rewards are only payable for information given directly to Crimestoppers, not to the police. Anyone wishing to claim a reward must ask for a reward code when calling 0800 555 111 or, if contacting online, must use the ‘keeping in contact’ feature and request a reward code during the first communication.
Crimestoppers added:
“At the heart of our rewards process is ensuring you stay 100% anonymous. Your details are never requested, recorded, or shared. You will remain anonymous before, during and after your information is passed on.”
The discovery of Ernest Deputat’s body has deeply affected both his loved ones and the wider Southampton community. Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or people around the Common — particularly near the wildlife reserve area — around the time of 8 October.
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by completing the secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
