Alex Verde Munoz, a 26‑year‑old Argentine national charged with killing Crufts dog breeder Valerie Freer, was found dead by hanging in HMP Manchester on May 15, a day before he was due in court. The Manchester Coroner’s inquest concluded his death was a suicide, citing prison conditions as possible contributors.

Munoz's suicide on May 15 at HMP Manchester

The inquest recorded that prison staff discovered Munoz’s body on the morning of May 15, and a post‑mortem confirmed hanging as the medical cause of death. Jurors at Manchester Coroner’s Court formally recorded a conclusion of suicide, marking the first time a high‑profile murder suspect has died in custody befroe a trial in England.

February 2022 stabbing of Valerie Freer in Staffordshire

Valerie Freer, 68, was bound with cable ties and stabbed through the neck on the driveway of her home in February 2022 during a robbery that went tragically wrong, according to the inquest report... Munoz was charged with her murder after police linked him to the crime, but he never faced a jury because of his death.

Inquest cites lack of key worker and inmate abuse as factors

According to the coroner’s findings,the absence of a dedicated key worker for Munoz and reported verbal abuse from other inmates may have contributed to his decision to end his life. the reoprt highlighted systemic gaps in prisoner mental‑health support, echoing concerns raised by prison charities about the vulnerability of foreign nationals in custody.

Unanswered: Who will now face trial for Freer's murder?

With Munoz deceased, prosecutors must decide whether to pursue charges against any alleged accomplices or close the case entirely. The inquest did not identify other suspects, leaving the question of accountability for Freer’s killing unresolved.

As the investigation continues, officials from the UK Ministry of Justice have been urged to review inmate support protocols,especially for detainees awaiting trial for serious offences.