The family of a 21-year-old Tenbury Wells man who was killed by a 19-year-old man he had accused of rape has welcomed a new investigation by official watchdogs into the case.
West Mercia police officers are to be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission over their handling of the Adrian Palmer case.
Mr Palmer had complained that he was raped by Ben James Murphy.
Mr Palmer was later killed and Murphy was convicted of his manslaughter.
Today Mr Palmer’s uncle, Steve, said the family was pleased that all aspects would be investigated.
He said: “If questions about the police handling of the events leading up to Adrian’s death are sufficient to warrant an independent investigation, then these need to be explored.”
Mr Palmer, who suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome, contacted police in January 2006 and made an allegation of male rape. Following the allegation Murphy, also from Tenbury Wells, was arrested and interviewed, but no charges followed.
In May 2006, Mr Palmer was killed and in December 2007 Murphy was convicted of his manslaughter.
Murphy had admitted killing Palmer but denied murder. Police had earlier received allegations from Mr Palmer that he had received death threats and was being harassed by Murphy.
IPCC Commissioner John Crawley has decided an independent investigation should take place.
West Mercia Constabulary has declined to comment.
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