Man found dead in London’s Hyde Park may have been killed in anti-gay attack
By Will Stroude
Police are keeping an open mind with regards to the motive behind the murder of “inspirational” carer Jairo Medina.
The 62-year-old’s body was found under a tree in Hyde Park at 5:50am last Friday (August 23), having been badly beaten.
The Metropolitan Police say they are “keeping an open mind” after a report suggested that homophobia may have been a motive in the killing.
Friends and neighbours paid tribute to Jairo, describing him as an “inspirational care worker with a heart of gold”.
Jairo had spent the past four years caring for a 95-year-old living with Alzeimers. Last year, Jairo won an award for “exemplary care, creativity, hard work and companionship” for his work as a carer.
Speaking to the Evening Standard
, Jairo’s housemate of 11 years said: “At the moment we don’t know anything at all about how he met his death.
“All we know is that his body was found in Hyde Park and he had injuries. Basically someone had beaten him up and he was left with these severe injuries.”
“I have been with the detectives ever since trying to figure out what happened.”
The police are asking any witnesses or those with information about the attack to call via 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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