Family of man found dead in river urge police to investigate more

A coroner gave a narrative verdict that Jorge Martin Carreno, who was discovered near the Persons Parson Pleasure bathing spot in July last year, died from “immersion with alcohol intoxication”.

The conclusion was recommended by a forensic pathologist who also found bruising on the left side of the 30-year-old’s body on his head, shoulder and back.

READ MORE: Cause of man's death in River Cherwell left 'open-ended' with lack of evidence

The unidentified witness

However, Mr Carreno’s family have urged police to keep on investigating due to an unidentified witness who was spotted in CCTV footage with Mr Carreno approximately 30 minutes before he entered the river.

Thames Valley Police hasn't been able to identify the witness who approached Mr Carreno in Radcliffe Square at about 3.45am on July 25, 2021.

His family have urged police should keep trying to find the witness who they believe may have had something do with Mr Carreno’s death.

Speaking at Oxford Coroner’s Court on Wednesday (25), Mr Carreno’s mother Mary said: “I feel we need to keep investigating.

“We need to keep sharing the footage so we can identify [the witness]. To me it’s not clear that enough has been done on social media.

READ MORE: Forensic officers and police at a home in Oxford

“At the moment there are lots of unknown facts and ambiguous interpretations of the situation. We really have to find the answers we need to know where, when, how and why this happened.

“There’s lots of unanswered questions especially the 30 minutes unaccounted for in the last CCTV footage.

“I think that due to the lack of evidence we need a further investigation, more detailed and in depth, to find out the answers.”

Oxford Coroner's Court

Leading investigator Det Con Dan Hayward responded that he doesn’t know what else he can “reasonably do”.

He said: “We could keep going forever and ever and never establish who this person is. In my heart of hearts, I know I’ve done everything I can with my lines of enquiry.

“If any lines of information come forward in the future, I will investigate it. It’s really going to play in my mind. My thoughts will remain with you and your family for the rest of time.

Senior coroner Darren Salter said he will speak to police about potentially releasing another media appeal.

READ MORE: Why do newspapers cover inquests and how do they work?

He said: “We all wish there was more evidence about what happened in that half an hour but we can’t invent evidence. I’m sorry that you haven’t been able to get to the bottom of things and I share your frustration.

“I’m sure the police will keep the family closely updated if there is scope for further action especially thinking in terms of reconsideration of another media appeal of the CCTV footage.”

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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