Inquest Opens Into Death of Arnis Zalkalns
Prime suspect in Alice Gross investigation found hanged in Boston Manor Park
The inquest into the death of 41-year-old Arnis Zalkalns has been opened and adjourned today.
The key suspect in the murder of schoolgirl Alice Gross was found hanged in woodland in Boston Manor Park four days after the teenager's body was pulled from a river.
Coroner's officer Lana Atkinson told the court: "Mr Zalkalns was found on 4th October and his body was found suspended by his neck in dense woodland in Boston Manor Park adjacent to the canal.
"A post-mortem examination conducted on 6th October found a conditional cause of death is consistent with hanging. There is no evidence of third party involvement.
"Police are still investigating and he was identified by dental records."
The inquest has been adjourned until December.
Zalkalns served seven years in prison in his native country for killing his wife Rudite. The builder is thought to have come to the UK in 2007.
He was captured on CCTV cycling behind Alice along the tow path next to the Grand Union canal on 28 August – the day she disappeared.
He was reported missing from his home in Ealing, a week later.
Alice’s body was found wrapped and weighted down in a shallow stretch of river by London fire service divers on 30 September. Her inquest was opened and adjourned until January.
Boston Manor Park reopened at the weekend but police and forensic officers are still conducting investigations - an area near the canal is still sealed off.
13th October 2014
