Murder probe appeal widened after man dies from head injury

Police have issued a new appeal for information as a murder investigation continues into the death of a 49-year-old man in Wrexham.

North Wales Police confirmed that Linas Buta, from Bryn Glas in Rhos, died after suffering a head injury.

Officers believe he may have been involved in a physical altercation the day before his death.

Detectives say the incident is thought to have taken place at around midday on Thursday, March 26, at Bonc Wen Car Park in Rhos.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Rob Mahoney, has urged anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward.

He said: “We are hoping to speak to anyone who was in the Bonc Wen Car Park area on Thursday 26 March between midday and 12.15pm, or anyone who had a parked vehicle within the car park with a dash camera recording.

“We are also appealing to anyone with a dash camera who was driving along Wrexham Road in Rhostyllen on Thursday, 26 March between midday and 1pm to get in touch.

“I am asking the community to continue to support officers as they make the necessary enquiries.

“Our thoughts remain with Linas’ family at this difficult time.”

Police have asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact them via 101 or through their website, quoting reference O045989.

Meanwhile, an inquest into Mr Buta’s death has been formally opened.

A hearing at HM Coroner’s Court in Ruthin on April 7 was told that Mr Buta, who was born in Lithuania on January 10, 1977, died on March 26.

Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central, John Gittins, heard that a post-mortem examination carried out on March 30 by Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers gave a provisional cause of death as an acute left subdural haemorrhage caused by a blunt force head injury.

The inquest was opened as part of the coroner’s legal duty but has been adjourned while police investigations continue.

No date has yet been set for a full hearing.