Inquest Examines Disturbing Evidence in Drag Artist's Death
Police have meticulously reconstructed the final movements of a well-known drag performer who was discovered deceased beneath cardboard boxes in Cardiff. The inquest into the death of Darren Meah-Moore has revealed harrowing details, including evidence of sexual encounters involving a dog, which may be distressing to readers.
Hundreds of Hours of CCTV Footage Analysed
Investigators from South Wales Police examined extensive surveillance footage showing Mr Meah-Moore's activities on the night he died. The footage revealed that the 39-year-old performer, who worked under stage names including CC Quinn, Crystal Coutoure, and Dolly Diamond, interacted with three separate men during his final hours.
The CCTV evidence showed a detailed timeline:
- Darren Meah-Moore travelled by train from his Newport home to Cardiff
- He visited multiple venues including the Golden Cross, Cambrian Tap, Proud Marys, Main Stage, and Popworld
- He was seen socialising on Queen Street before entering the lane where his body was later discovered
Final Movements and Disappearance
Detective Superintendent Paul Raikes, the senior investigating officer, presented evidence showing that Mr Meah-Moore vanished from camera view on three separate occasions during the night. While he reappeared after the first two disappearances, he failed to return after the third encounter in the lane near Windsor Place and Park Lane.
"I can confidently say that Mr Meah-Moore looked to be uninjured and unharmed before socialising with others on Queen Street," DS Raikes told the inquest. The performer was last seen alive entering the lane where his body was found on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
Disturbing Forensic Evidence Emerges
The pathological examination conducted at the scene revealed the presence of semen, which subsequent DNA analysis confirmed contained both human and non-human components. This DNA sample matched a specimen taken from a dog belonging to a man who cannot be named due to court restrictions.
Police immediately treated the death as a potential homicide due to several concerning factors:
- The concealed location of the body
- Blood evidence at the scene
- The deliberate attempt to hide the body under dragged cardboard boxes
Investigation Challenges and Ongoing Questions
The man who accompanied Mr Meah-Moore into the lane provided what the court described as "sordid evidence" about sexual encounters involving his dog. This individual, who was arrested and considered a suspect, refused police requests to surrender his dog for examination.
DS Raikes noted that robbery was unlikely to be a motive, as Mr Meah-Moore's belongings - including a mobile phone and approximately £200 in cash - were found with his body. The investigation also revealed that two mobile phones taken from the suspect's home were never examined, which DS Raikes described as "unfortunate."
Medical Considerations and Expert Consultations
The inquest heard that Mr Meah-Moore had a known dog allergy, which could have caused sensitivity or a potentially severe allergic reaction. Police have sought expert advice from an animal behaviourist through the National Crime Agency, who suggested it was "highly unlikely" this was the first time the dog had been used for such purposes.
This assessment contradicted evidence provided by the dog's owner. DS Raikes emphasised that there were no signs of restraint or injuries typically associated with assault, stating: "His ears, nose, mouth, structure of the neck were not injured or damaged in any way. There were no defence injuries and no bruising present to hands that might suggest defence injury."
The inquest continues as authorities piece together the final hours of the popular performer whose act included comedy, storytelling, and musical tributes to artists like Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse.
