The Metropolitan Police have launched a renewed review into the investigation of the death of 19-year-old Edward Cornes, a student found deceased in a London hotel room alongside two men in their fifties. The reinvestigation follows revelations of significant procedural failings in the original inquiry, which involved drugs commonly linked to chemsex.

Cornes was discovered in a hotel room in circumstances that initially led to the arrest of the two men present on suspicion of murder; however, both were subsequently released without charge. Authorities have now appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward, establishing a dedicated email contact to facilitate new leads.

The initial investigation drew criticism after vital evidence—such as CCTV footage and blood samples—was reportedly lost, and key witnesses were not interviewed. The Cornes family has alleged that these shortcomings were influenced by homophobic attitudes held by some officers during the inquiry. According to the family, officers made disparaging comments, including one suggesting Cornes was a “rent boy” and another asserting that all gay men used drugs, with the remark that "with man on man sex anything can happen." The family maintain that Edward was a straight-A student known for his kindness and intelligence, and that the police’s approach was biased and dismissive.

In October 2025, at an inquest into Edward’s death, his family sought an unlawful death verdict, arguing that the administration of the drug GHB was a contributory factor. The coroner, however, ruled the death as drug-related without evidence of assault.

Following a complaint from the Cornes family, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) initiated an investigation in March into alleged investigative failures as well as claims that officers sought to smudge Edward’s character by labeling him a drug dealer. The Metropolitan Police have since acknowledged that aspects of their original handling did not meet expected standards. In a statement, the force expressed regret for the distress caused to the family and confirmed that specialist officers are re-examining the case to identify any further lines of enquiry.

The Met has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the family informed as the new review progresses. It has also encouraged members of the public with information to contact the dedicated email address or submit anonymous tips via Crimestoppers.

Edward Cornes’s parents, Miriam Blythe and Robert Cornes, continue to advocate for a thorough and unbiased investigation, emphasizing their belief that the initial inquiry was compromised by prejudice and a predetermined narrative about their son’s character.