Police Continue Investigating Murder of Vanessa Santillan
Setting up alternative ways that people can offer information
Detectives investigating the murder of 33 year-old transgender escort Vanessa Santillan in Fulham have set up a number of alternative ways information about Vanessa and/or her murder can be provided.
As well as working with Galop, London’s LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity, officers have set up a dedicated e-mail address: OpLarbreck@met.police.uk where information in both English and Spanish can be provided.
Vanessa, of Romily Court, off Landridge Road
in Fulham was found dead in her flat at 9.30pm on Saturday, March 28 by officers who had been called there to reports that a body had been found.
A post-mortem examination held at Fulham Mortuary gave the preliminary cause of death as injuries to the head and neck.
Vanessa had arrived in the UK from her home country of Mexico in January 2015 and it is believed she worked as an escort whilst in London.
Ms Santillan called herself "one in a million" on her website, writing about travelling around the world and going on high fashion shopping sprees. In a recent entry she said of her stay in London: " I’m a Ts girl visiting from MIAMI FL.
" I am looking to meet upscale, respectable gentlemen, of a certain calibre, who know how to treat a lady like me."
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves, who leads the investigation, said: "Vanessa's parents are devastated by the loss of their daughter. She was living many miles from home, but she was regularly in touch with her family. She last spoke to them on Friday, 27 March.
"Later that evening, she met up with a small group of friends and went out to the West End, returning home in the early hours of Saturday. I need to hear from anyone who saw Vanessa on Saturday 28 March or spoke to her, and anyone who met her while she was in London."
"A number of people have come forward to speak to us already and have provided valuable information. I want to appeal to members of all communities, including the LGBT community, to come forward with information to help us in this case."
Any witnesses, or anyone with information that may assist police, should call the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To provide information via Galop, London's LGBT anti-violence & abuse charity, call 020 7704 2040.
April 19, 2015
