Hunt for murderer of Rotherham mum who was killed on Boxing Day goes on

A murderer who killed a Rotherham mum-of-four and dumped her naked body in a dried stream bed remains on the run almost five months after the killing.
By Sam Cooper
Published 19th May 2019, 08:53 BST
Detectives want to trace this man captured on CCTV near where a woman's body was found in RotherhamDetectives want to trace this man captured on CCTV near where a woman's body was found in Rotherham
Detectives want to trace this man captured on CCTV near where a woman's body was found in Rotherham

The body of Alena Grlakova, aged 38, was found concealed in a dried stream bed on land off Taylors Lane, Parkgate, on April 8.

She was last seen just yards away near the Fitzwilliam Arms pub on Boxing Day 2018 and detectives believe she was killed on that day or in ‘late December’.

Detectives want to trace this man captured on CCTV near where a woman's body was found in RotherhamDetectives want to trace this man captured on CCTV near where a woman's body was found in Rotherham
Detectives want to trace this man captured on CCTV near where a woman's body was found in Rotherham
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Detectives released a reconstruction of the last time she was seen and spent time visiting pubs in the Parkgate area earlier this month in the hope it will recall people’s memories from that night.

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CCTV footage was also released of a man police said ‘could be able to assist with their ongoing enquiries’.

Det Chief Insp Mark Oughton said: “I firmly believe that the answers lie within the Parkgate area and I really want people to think back to what they were doing on Boxing Day.

Det Chief InspI Mark Houghton holds a press conference in relation to the death of Alena Grlakova in Parkgate, Rotherham. Picture: Dean AtkinsDet Chief InspI Mark Houghton holds a press conference in relation to the death of Alena Grlakova in Parkgate, Rotherham. Picture: Dean Atkins
Det Chief InspI Mark Houghton holds a press conference in relation to the death of Alena Grlakova in Parkgate, Rotherham. Picture: Dean Atkins

“Were they in that area and did they see a person who fits Alena’s description? Even if you think the information you have is irrelevant please get in touch.”

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The detective said Alena was last seen wearing a thin black sweatshirt with ‘Little Black Sweat’ written on it in white letters; black tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the side and black flip-flops. She was also wearing clip-in hair extensions.

He said a ‘slider’ flip flop was found by a member of the public on December 28 outside the Parkgate Inn pub on Broad Street, which he said he believed was Alena’s.

DCI Oughton added: “A lot of people will be able to remember what they were doing on Boxing Day and we know she went into the local pubs asking for a lift.

Alena GrlakovaAlena Grlakova
Alena Grlakova

“Did she ask you for a lift? Whatever information you have even if you think it’s not relevant it could be vital to our investigation.”

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DCI Oughton said the land was searched in February, and following a review, officers returned to the site earlier this month and discovered her body.

He said he was still unable to reveal how Alena’s body was concealed due to ‘operational reasons’.

South Yorkshire Police said the force’s professional standards department had been aware of the delay in finding the body.

Anyone with any information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 453 of April 8 or the incident room on 01709 443540.

Information can also be given, anonymously, to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.