A former head chef who once worked at prestigious London restaurants was discovered murdered in a derelict building after descending into homelessness and chronic alcoholism, a court has been told. Alexis De Naray, aged 45, studied at the renowned Prue Leith Cooking School and held positions in several high-end kitchens across the capital, jurors at Stafford Crown Court heard.
Descent into Alcoholism and Homelessness
However, Mr De Naray began drinking heavily due to the intense stress associated with his culinary career, eventually becoming a chronic alcoholic by the time of his death in June last year. The court was informed that he nearly died from alcohol withdrawal seizures during the Covid-19 lockdown period. Consequently, his father arranged housing for him in Shrewsbury, near the family home, but despite this assistance and support from local agencies, he remained a homeless alcoholic at his death.
Discovery of the Body
Mr De Naray was found deceased under a sleeping bag in the attic room of an abandoned building in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. A post-mortem examination revealed he sustained 17 fractured ribs along with injuries to his head and arms. Forensic pathologist Dr Alexander Kolar concluded the chef had endured a significant blunt force assault prior to his death, with additional injuries including a brain bleed.
The cause of death was officially recorded as multiple injuries exacerbated by complications from long-term excessive alcohol use and acute alcohol intoxication. At the time of his death, Mr De Naray had cirrhosis of the liver and was more than five times the legal drink-drive limit.
Alleged Attack and Investigation
Adam Rowson, 26, of no fixed address, has pleaded not guilty to murdering the chef between June 23 and June 28 last year, and also denies an alternate charge of manslaughter. Prosecutors allege that Mr De Naray was last seen alive on CCTV walking with Rowson towards the derelict building in the early hours of June 24, after being taken unconscious to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital from a Telford pub.
Sally Howes KC, prosecuting, stated that Rowson was allegedly overheard on CCTV outside a supermarket on June 25 telling friends he had killed someone. Furthermore, the defendant is accused of using the victim's bank card to withdraw cash and purchase items at various shops, and was seen wearing what appeared to be a blood-stained jumper in footage.
Disturbing Scene Details
Paramedics discovered the body covered with a sleeping bag in the attic, with the head, arms, and feet protruding. Upon removal, the body was rigid, completely naked, and positioned face down on the floor, with the face and arms covered in dried blood. Blood was also found on the inside of the sleeping bag and on the floor around the body, alongside extensive bruising, notably on the back.
Mr De Naray's father reported him missing on June 24 after failing to hear from him, and three days later, police received a call from Rowson claiming he had found a body in the abandoned house. Rowson initially told police at the scene that there had been an altercation but asserted Mr De Naray was fine, though he later allegedly confessed to a drug and alcohol support worker that he had done something bad.
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence surrounding this tragic case of a once-promising chef whose life spiraled into homelessness and a violent end.
