A man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with two counts of murder following the discovery of human remains in suitcases near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, from Shepherd's Bush, west London, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday. He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth, assisted by a Spanish interpreter. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.
Mosquera is accused of murdering Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, between 8 and 10 July in Hammersmith and Fulham. The victims lived together in a flat in Scotts Road, Shepherd's Bush, where further remains were found on Friday. The Metropolitan Police said Mosquera had been staying with them for a short time.
The remains were discovered in two suitcases dumped near Clifton Suspension Bridge on Wednesday night after a member of the public reported a man acting suspiciously. Officers arrived within ten minutes but the man had gone, leaving one suitcase behind. A second was found nearby shortly after.
Detectives have not identified a homophobic motive, but the case has been classified as a hate crime under national guidelines. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: 'My thoughts are first and foremost with Albert and Paul’s loved ones... we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the two murders.'
