Killing linked to second murder
A Telford robbery victim found dead on a footpath was murdered, police said today. His death is also being linked with the murder of another man.
His death is also being linked with the murder of another man.
Detectives from the West Mercia and West Midlands forces have launched a joint investigation into the deaths of Stirchley man Neil Williams and Andrew Owen, of Sedgley.
They said two men and a woman, all in their 20s, who were arrested on Monday in connection with the killing of Mr Williams were also arrested yesterday on suspicion of Mr Owen's murder.
Mr Williams, 41, was found dead on a footpath in Telford on April 6, while the body of Mr Owen, 42, was discovered 20 miles away in Sedgley on April 15. Both men were robbed of personal possessions.
The inquiry being led by West Midlands Police comes after similarities were identified in both investigations.
A police spokesman said: "The cross-border investigation is on-going and detectives from both forces continue to work together sharing all intelligence, information and evidence and have been working closely with CPS."
The body of Mr Williams, from Calcott, Stirchley, was found on Good Friday on a footpath at the rear of Churncote. His training shoes, mobile phone, watch, money and belt were missing. He is believed to have been dropped off at the Randlay Farmhouse public house at about 9pm the night before.
Mr Owen, a father who was due to get married this year, had left a pub early on April 15. Personal items were missing when his body was found. Anyone with information can call West Mercia Police on 08457444888, West Midlands on 0845 113 5000, ask for Operation Talrin.
