THREE police officers are facing a criminal investigation after a man arrested over the murder of his missing ex was found dead in custody.
Sebastian Zarnoch, 30, was being held on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering Gabriela Kosilko, 26, when he was found unresponsive.
SWNSGabriela Kosilko was found dead in woodland[/caption]
He was declared dead at Keyham Lane Police Station in Leicester on September 6 – the same day Gabriela’s body was found.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today confirmed three Leicestershire Police officers and four other members of staff are now facing a criminal probe.
They have been warned they are being investigated for the possible offence of misconduct in public office.
The officers have also been served with gross misconduct notices for potential breaches of police standards for professional behaviour.
While the four staff members will face a disciplinary investigation.
IOPC regional director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, said: “Whenever someone dies while in police custody it is important that all of the circumstances are independently investigated.
“We have been in contact with Mr Zarnoch’s family to express our sympathy and explain our role.
“Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and we will determine whether any officer should face disciplinary proceedings.”
Gabriela was last seen buying food and drink from a shop in Leicester at around 11.30pm on August 31.
The alarm was raised when she failed to return home from work as a beautician.
Her red Audi was then discovered empty four miles away the following day.
Tragically, Gabriela’s body was found in woodland near a lake in the Groby Pool area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the force on 101, quoting reference 484 of September 1.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
