Argentinian national, 26, accused of murdering 68-year-old Crufts dog breeder dies in custody
Argentinian national, 26, accused of murdering 68-year-old Crufts dog breeder dies in custody while awaiting trial
Alex Verdu Munoz, 26 was charged with killing Valerie Freer, 68 in StaffordshirePolice found him dead in HMP Strangeways in Manchester while awaiting trialMs Freer bred Samoyed dogs and found in her driveway by paramedics this yearOne of her dogs, Champion Nikara Dancer, won Best in Show at Crufts in 2014
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An Argentinian national accused of murdering a Crufts champion dog breeder has died in jail while awaiting trial.
Alex Verdu Munoz, 26, was found dead on May 15 at HMP Strangeways in Manchester, Staffordshire Police said.
He had been charged with killing Valerie Freer 68, who died of neck injuries in the village of Whittington, near Lichfield, on February 24.
She was found on the driveway of the bungalow she shared with her husband by paramedics at around 10.53am.
A post-mortem examination confirmed Valerie died as a result of injuries to her neck.
Ms Freer, who lived on Lichfield Road, was a well-known breeder of Samoyed dogs.
One of her dogs, Champion Nikara Dancer, won the top prize of Best in Show at Crufts in 2014.
Valerie Freer, 68, was pronounced dead by paramedics after being found on her driveway on Lichfield Road in the village at around 10.42am earlier this year Pictured: Valerie Freer with Nikara Dancer, her Samoyed dog who won the top prize of Best in Show at Crufts in 2014
In the same year another one of her dogs, a Samoyed named Dan The Man, was runner-up in the Best in Show category at Crufts.
Mr Munoz was due to stand trial accused of murdering Valerie, who was found dead outside her bungalow in the village of Whittington, Staffordshire.
The force said officers were contacted by Greater Manchester Police and the Ministry of Justice to inform them he had died.
Staffordshire Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious, his next-of-kin have been informed and a file was being prepared for a coroner.
Alex Verdu Munoz was found dead on May 15 at HMP Strangeways in Manchester
Detective Inspector Ian Fitzgerald said: ‘I would like to reassure the community that we remain committed to helping the family of Valerie as well as all those affected by the events that took place in Whittington in February this year.
‘We will continue to provide support to our colleagues in Greater Manchester Police as they work to prepare a file for Her Majesty’s Coroner in order for an inquest into the death of Mr Munoz to be held in due course.’
Police said Ms Freer’s family, and others affected by the offences Munoz is alleged to have committed, continue to be supported by specialist family liaison officers.
Mr Munoz, of no-fixed-address, was also charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, burglary, possession of a bladed article and dangerous driving.
A police roadblock on Lichfield road in Whittington on March 2 this year
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: ‘Officers were contacted by colleagues at Greater Manchester Police and the Ministry of Justice at HMP Strangeways, Manchester, on 16 May 2022 and informed that an inmate had died.
‘Alexander Verdu Munoz, aged 26, died on 15 May 2022.
‘Mr Munoz’s death is not being treated as suspicious. His next of kin has been informed.
‘A file will shortly be prepared for HM Coroner by Greater Manchester Police.
Ms Freer who also went by Val, was a renowned Samoyed dog breeder Pictured: Nikara Dancer, Ms Freer’s Samoyed dog
‘Prior to his death, Mr Munoz had been charged with murder in connection with the death of Valerie Freer in Whittington, near Lichfield, on 24 February.
‘He also faced charges of aggravated burglary, burglary, possession of a bladed article and dangerous driving.
‘Specialist family liaison officers from Staffordshire Police continue to support the family of Valerie Freer and others affected by the offences Mr Munoz had been charged with prior to his death.’
Following the murder, Valerie’s family paid tribute to a woman who had an ‘illuminating smile and infection laughter’ and was ‘infinitely loved by family and friends.’
Champion Nikara Dancer the Samoyed dog won Best in Show at Crufts in 2014
They added: ‘Words cannot even begin to describe how truly devastated we are to have lost our wonderful Val.
‘An incredibly beautiful lady both inside and out, she was always so loving and caring to all those around her.
‘Val is loved infinitely by family and friends around the world. She will be hugely missed, remaining forever in our hearts.’
