Officers face no charges over murder suspect’s death in custody

The police watchdog has said three Leicestershire Police officers and four staff members are no longer under criminal investigation over the death of a murder suspect who was found unresponsive in his cell.

Sebastian Zarnoch, 30, died at Keyham Lane police station on 6 September 2023 after being arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering 26-year-old Gabriela Kosilko.

Following his death, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into possible offences of misconduct in public office.

Now the probe has concluded, the IOPC said “no criminal allegations were pursued after the initial stages of our investigation”.

Mr Zarnoch was initially arrested on 3 September 2023 following the disappearance of Ms Kosilko and was detained while inquiries continued.

He was found unresponsive in his cell three days later, just after 10:00 BST, and pronounced dead a short time later.

Because Mr Zarnoch died in police custody, a mandatory referral was made by Leicestershire Police to the IOPC.

The IOPC said all seven officers and staff, who dealt with Mr Zarnoch before his death were advised they were under criminal investigation.

Three police officers were served with gross misconduct notices for potential breaches of police standards for professional behaviour while four staff members were advised they were to be made subject of a disciplinary investigation.

Following the investigation, an IOPC spokesperson said: “Our investigation focused on the level of risk assessments and supervision involving Mr Zarnoch and whether the observations and cell checks carried out on him were in line with relevant policy and procedures.

“Issuing our findings awaits the conclusion of outstanding inquest proceedings.”

An inquest is set to be held in March 2026.

Leicestershire Police’s force lead for criminal justice, Leah Johnson said “recommendations” had been made for the force and Mitie, which delivers a forensic medical service, inlcuding treating people who are in police custody.

“As a force, we are always continuing to learn, develop and to work to improve,” said Ms Johnson.

“We have accepted the recommendations made by the IOPC and a number of different procedures are now in place.”

Ms Johnson said the new changes include a “complete restructure” of the initial training programme for detention officers, including a “focus on suite checks and practical scenario training.”

“A revised copy of the custody procedure has also been communicated to all staff and a copy is placed in all suites,” she added. “Annual refresher training is also now provided.”

Mitie line management has also been “restructured”, including allowing more one-to-ones with detention officers.

Ms Johnson added: “Contract meetings between the force and Mitie are also in place to ensure that procedures and training are continually reviewed.”

A Mitie spokesperson said: “We accept the IOPC’s recommendations and have taken steps to strengthen training, management, and communication.”

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family and friends of Sebastian Zarnoch and everyone affected by his death.

“Following a mandatory referral from Leicestershire Police, we investigated the force’s decisions and actions prior to Mr Zarnoch being found dead in his cell.

“We have published a series of learning recommendations in relation to this investigation which include Leicestershire Police to consider establishing a regular process to ensure that the contracted provider of custody detention officers (DOs) is meeting their training responsibilities.”

It also advised the force “should create guidance for custody staff to support them in implementing the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP) when conducting cell checks”.