One man murdered and another raped after ‘gay chemsex dates with Grindr app killer’
A DATING app chemsex killer murdered one man and raped another after hooking up with them on Grindr, police believe. Detectives have launched a murder probe after dancer Adrian Murphy, 43, was found dead at home in South London. They are also investigating the rape of a 40-year-old who was drugged by a man he […]
A DATING app chemsex killer murdered one man and raped another after hooking up with them on Grindr, police believe.
Detectives have launched a murder probe after dancer Adrian Murphy, 43, was found dead at home in South London.
They are also investigating the rape of a 40-year-old who was drugged by a man he met on the popular dating app.
Both victims’ flats were ransacked while they were unconscious and police believe they are linked. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, theft and rape on Wednesday. He was released on police bail.
A girl of 17 was arrested the same day on suspicion of murder and theft. She was released “under investigation”. Yesterday, investigators appealed for “members of the chemsex hookup scene” to come forward with information.
DCI Rob Pack said: “People in that community might be reluctant to come forward for various reasons – and we fear our suspect may be targeting them for that reason.
“We know people may be too embarrassed to speak to us, or may not trust the police, but we are treating this very seriously. If they believe they may have been the victim of a crime, or are aware of any crimes taking place, they must tell us. We aren’t here to police people’s morals, we just want to uphold the law.”
He added Scotland Yard is now reviewing other recent cases to see if they might also be linked to the same offender. It comes after serial rapist and killer Stephen Port received a whole-life sentence for murdering at least four men.
He targeted men on Grindr and used chemsex drug GHB to knock out and kill his victims. In that case, police were criticised for being slow to link the mysterious deaths of Port’s victims.
DCI Pack said: “We are keen to avoid mistakes like that in this case, so we are looking at every possible angle and asking people to come forward.
“Both incidents happened over a short period of time and thorough enquiries have led us to make these prompt arrests. However, there is a possibility other offences may have been committed.”
GRINDR HOOKUP
Mr Murphy, originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, was a professional dancer who performed, taught and choreographed Irish dance shows around the world. He made several appearances on TV in the UK, Australia and America.
His body was found at his flat in upmarket Battersea, South-West London, on June 4. Police believe he died on June 1. He is believed to have died from an overdose of GHB. A pathologist found no other signs of trauma or restraint.
Asked if Mr Murphy may have accidentally taken an overdose of the drug, DCI Pack said: “We would not have opened this murder inquiry if we believed that.”
Yesterday, Mr Murphy’s brother Frank wrote on Facebook: “I am thinking of you looking at the stars, the colours that you wore of gay with Pride. Influenced not by those who disapproved, your life a whirlwind of the brightest rainbow.”
Toby Parker, who managed his local pub in Battersea, said: “Everyone liked him, he would always come in and say hello to everyone. He was such a social and outgoing person. It’s a real shock.”
Friend Simon Nash wrote on Facebook: “I hope the Louis Vuitton up there is ready for you. RIP. Gone but certainly never ever forgotten.”
Bill Geddes said: “Adrian was always a joy to be with. Eternally smiling and full of fun. He twinkled his toes at the drop of a hat, a lovely man who will be much missed.”
The rape victim was attacked during a Grindr hookup at home in Walthamstow, East London, on May 30. He survived after a friend found him unresponsive later that day and took him to hospital.
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
Police said they are potentially looking at the incident as an attempted murder.
Grindr, first launched in the US in 2009, allows users to find others nearby who want to “hook up”. The company did not respond to a request for comment.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the charity Galop on 020 7704 2040.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk