Brian Shields Obituary, Death; – Marius Ziugzda, aged 48, was convicted on Friday, January 17, of the murder of Brian Shields after a two-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court. Ziugzda, who has no fixed address, was found guilty of killing Brian, who resided in a derelict pavilion in a park alongside him. The fatal incident occurred on October 20, 2022, and was determined to be caused by blunt force trauma to Brian’s head and chest, indicative of multiple punches or kicks.
Detective Sergeant David Brooks from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command remarked, “Despite Ziugzda’s assertions of friendship with Brian, he inflicted a prolonged and ultimately lethal assault. This verdict reflects the diligent efforts of the investigative team, the many witnesses who came forward, and the broader police force’s commitment.”
On the morning of Brian’s death, police received a call at 11:14 hours regarding an unresponsive individual at Orchard playing fields, previously known as Goodmayes Park extension, in Redbridge. Despite the prompt response of emergency services, Brian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ziugzda approached the police cordon despite being instructed not to enter the park. He engaged with officers, claiming to have been with Brian the night before. He stated that he had slept at the location and awoke to find Brian deceased. He remarked, “I killed him today, I don’t know what….” before trailing off into an incomprehensible statement, concluding with, “my friend, in the morning I killed him, now…..”
Officers observed scuff marks and scratches on Ziugzda’s hands. When later interrogated by detectives regarding his earlier statements, he contended that the police officer had misinterpreted his words.
During the interview, Ziugzda recounted that he and Brian had arrived at the park at 20:00 hours on October 19, 2022. He claimed to have left Brian temporarily to fetch water from a nearby shop and asserted that upon his return, he found Brian unharmed. He confirmed that they were alone at the location and had remained awake for some time.
