A 41-year-old woman was found dead and stuffed into a suitcase in a West London hostel on Friday, December 18. The woman’s name was Joanna Borucka, and she was discovered at the Pay and Sleep in The Crescent, Southall, late last month.
It is believed that Borucka is originally from Poland, and was last seen alive on Friday, November 13. Police are now releasing the first photos of the woman, and a man who is wanted for questioning.
Man Sought in Connection With Southall Body in a Suitcase – Police wish to speak to Petras Zalynas about death of Joanna Borucka https://t.co/oXwR6hCfbW pic.twitter.com/0fokIs7FT8
— EalingToday.co.uk (@ealingtodaycouk) January 14, 2021
Detectives from Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command are investigating the suspicious tragedy, but they have not confirmed the cause of death.
Detectives are looking for a 50-year-old man named Petras Zalynas, who is believed to be from Lithuania. Police have not confirmed whether Zalynas is a witness or a suspect, but he has reportedly fled the UK and may now be in Germany, leading many reporters to believe that he could be on the run.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, has appealed to the public to help locate Zalynas.
“It is thankfully very rare for a body to be found in these shocking circumstances. I know it makes the news of Joanna’s death all the more difficult for those who were close to her. We have identified Petras Zalynas as a person who we need to speak to in order to find out what happened to Joanna. I’m confident there are people out there who may have seen Zalynas or who might know where he is. I would urge them to come forward,” Jolley said, according to My London News.
Have you seen Petras Zalynas?
Police need to speak to him in relation to the death of Joanna Borucka whose body was found in a suitcase in #Southall last year.
Please call police with information on 101 quoting CAD 4319/18Dec or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) January 14, 2021
“I would particularly appeal to London’s Lithuanian community. If you know anything about the whereabouts of Petras Zalynas, please get in touch. You will be supported and your information could hold the key to unlocking this investigation,” He added.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 4319/18DEC. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can provide tips to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
