An Argentine national accused of killing a Crufts dog breeder has died in custody at Strangeways Prison in Manchester while awaiting trial, police have revealed. Alex Verdu Muñoz, 26, was pronounced dead on May 15 in the HMP Manchester, Staffordshire police said.
He had been charged with the murder of Valerie Freer, 68, who died of neck wounds in the village of Whittington, near Lichfield, on 24 February. Paramedics found her at the entrance of her home around 10:53 p.m.
In 2014, one of his dogs, a Samoan named Dan The Man, was runner-up in the Best in Show category at Crufts. Muñoz also faced charges of robbery with force, theft, possession of a leafy item, and dangerous driving.
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The force said officers were contacted by Greater Manchester police and the Justice Department to inform them that he had died. Her death is not being treated as a suspect and her relatives have been informed, police added.
No further details were revealed.
HMP Manchester – Strangeways (Image: MEN Media)
Detective Inspector Ian Fitzgerald said: “I would like to reassure the community that we are still committed to helping Valerie’s family and all those affected by the events that took place in Whittington in February this year.
“We will continue to support our Greater Manchester police colleagues as they work to prepare a case for His Majesty’s coroner to investigate Mr Muñoz’s death in due course.”
Police said Ms. Freer’s family and others affected by the crimes Muñoz allegedly committed continue to have the support of specialized family liaison officers. Greater Manchester police will soon prepare a file for the coroner, the force added.
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