Piers Braizer, the prime suspect of a brutal murder in Ryde, which he was later cleared of committing, has been found dead.
The 39-year-old was previously accused of killing 33-year-old Scott Cooper from Newport at a flat in Ryde back in January 2022.
Mr Cooper was stabbed multiple times in the face and neck before his body was then found slumped upside down in the bathroom of Brazier’s flat – Flat 3, 74 George Street. Mr Cooper died after bleeding out on the bedroom floor before his body was dragged down the hallway and into the bathroom.
The Crown Prosecution Service said that Brazier – a heroin addict – had committed the act and charged him with Cooper’s murder.
Throughout 2 lengthy trials, Piers Brazier denied killing Mr Cooper. Those pleas of innocence and the defence’s case led to the jury returning a not guilty verdict back in January of this year, concluding that they couldn’t be sure beyond reasonable doubt that Piers Brazier killed Scott Cooper on the night of 3rd January last year.
The original trial – the first murder case to be heard on the Isle of Wight in at least 30 years – was held back in June but the jury failed to reach a verdict. As a result, a re-trial began at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on 7th December, which ultimately led to Brazier being unanimously cleared as an innocent man.
During proceedings, the jury heard details of Piers Brazier’s previous convictions. He served 7 years in prison.
Hampshire Constabulary’s response to the incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as officers came within feet of Cooper’s body. Despite seeing blood on Brazier when they entered his flat, it wasn’t until around 12 hours later that they returned and located a body. The investigation led to 3 control room staff being spoken to.
Earlier this year Police said they were ‘disappointed’ by the verdict delivered, but that they respected the jury’s decision.
Now, just 4 months after that not guilty verdict was returned, Brazier has died.
The circumstances of Brazier’s death have not been confirmed, however.
Karma always wins…
Someone got to him then or maybe a guilty conscience. Either way at least he can’t steal or ruin anyone else’s life.
hoorah, saved us bit of money
When a case like this fails it is almost always due to police corruption. Such as the failure to find his body to begin with. The only crime that has the money to corrupt a police officer is drugs money. Seems his money also secured a not guilty charge. This is often done by the corrupt police not collecting the evidence needed, like waiting 12 hours before finding the body. It seems someone has done what the police could not. Only takes one corrupt officer to bring a case down.
Oh what a shame….. I’m sure he will be missed.