A fourth individual has been formally charged in connection with the 2019 murder of Birmingham man Tomasz Samel, in a case that shocked the community.
Charges Laid Seven Years After Kidnapping
Neil Jones, 48, of no fixed address, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court for his first hearing. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Jones is accused of the murder of 45-year-old Tomasz Samel, who was forcibly taken from his home on Raleigh Close in Handsworth. The abduction occurred at approximately 8.45am on March 27, 2019, with witnesses reporting Mr Samel was snatched into a white van.
A Desperate Plea for Help
Later on the same day, at around 10.45pm, a severely injured Tomasz Samel knocked on the door of a property in Bickerstaffe, Lancashire, desperately seeking assistance. He was found suffering from catastrophic injuries, having sustained 75 per cent burns across his body.
An ambulance rushed him to hospital, and he was later transferred to a specialist burns unit in Liverpool. Despite extensive medical treatment, Mr Samel tragically died from his injuries on June 21, 2019.
Ongoing Police Investigation
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed the latest development, stating: "We've charged another man with the murder of Tomasz Samel, who was kidnapped and killed in 2019. Our investigation has continued ever since, and last year we arrested and charged three other people in connection with the investigation."
The force continues to actively pursue lines of enquiry and is urging anyone with information who has not yet come forward to make contact.
Key details of the appeal:
- Contact West Midlands Police by calling 101.
- Provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The case remains a priority for detectives as they work to secure justice for Tomasz Samel and his family.
