Family say they have new evidence in case of Briton who was found dead in Benidorm

Key Concepts

• Health Data Analysis: Utilizing data from smartphone health apps to reconstruct events and determine timelines.
• Pace and Distance Metrics: Analyzing speed and distance covered to infer mode of transport and physical capabilities.
• CCTV Footage: Using surveillance camera recordings to establish last known locations and movements.
• Judicial Review: A legal process where a court reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action.
• Family Liaison Officer: A point of contact appointed to provide support to families involved in investigations.
• Foul Play: Criminal activity, particularly murder or manslaughter.
• Homicide: The killing of one person by another.
• Suicide: The act of intentionally causing one's own death.
• Accident: An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally.

New Evidence in Benidorm Death Investigation

This report details fresh police inquiries into the death of British man Nathan Osman in Benidorm, Spain. Nathan, a father of four, was found dead at the bottom of a cliff in a remote area last September. While the initial police ruling was a tragic accident, his family has consistently rejected this conclusion and has now uncovered evidence they believe proves foul play was involved.

Analysis of Health Data from Nathan's Phone

The family's breakthrough came from analyzing the health data on Nathan's phone. They discovered detailed breakdowns within a health app, recording distance, pace, and other granular information every 10 minutes. This data allowed them to determine a more accurate time of death.

• Inconsistent Pace: The app's data indicated that Nathan's pace was not consistent with a fast walk or even a sprint, especially considering the uphill terrain he would have had to traverse for at least 40 minutes.
• Vehicle Transport Implied: The family concluded that Nathan's phone remained active for a period after his death. The recorded pace and steps, along with the detailed breakdown within the app, led them to believe he did not walk to the location. Instead, they assert he was transported by vehicle.
• Narrowed Timeframe: The analysis of the phone data has allowed the family to pinpoint a specific half-hour period after Nathan was last seen on CCTV, during which they believe his death occurred.

Family's Journey and Observations

Nathan's parents, Elizabeth and Jonathan, and his brother Lee, visited the location where Nathan was found.

• Remote and Inaccessible Area: They described the area as remote and "out in the wilds," with no discernible paths, clubs, or even many houses. They found it "ridiculous" to believe Nathan would have walked there alone at 4:00 AM in complete darkness.
• Disbelief in Accidental Fall: The family stated that from the bottom of the cliff, where Nathan was last seen on CCTV, there was no indication that anyone would have chosen to ascend that area.

Allegations of Police Inaction and Lack of Investigation

The family expressed significant anger and frustration with the initial investigation by Spanish police.

• Brushed Off and Under the Carpet: They feel their concerns were dismissed and that the authorities attempted to "brush us away."
• Lack of Empathy: The family felt a profound lack of empathy for their loss.
• Homicide Theory Ignored: They believe the possibility of homicide was never properly investigated. The police, they claim, focused too quickly on suicide or accident, neglecting the third option of homicide.
• Procedural Failures: According to advice received from South Wales Police, no proper procedures were followed by the Spanish authorities. This included failing to secure the scene, collect potential evidence like tire tracks, footprints, or DNA, and not collecting available CCTV footage.
• CCTV Footage Lost: The family collected 27 CCTV cameras that could have captured Nathan's movements. However, the Spanish police informed them that the data would have been erased by now.

South Wales Police Investigation

Following an interview with the family on UK television, South Wales Police contacted them and have opened their own investigation.

• Confirmation of Procedural Lapses: South Wales Police have reviewed the situation and confirmed that basic investigative procedures were not followed.
• Dumbfounded and Appalled: The family has presented their findings and meticulous timeline to the Spanish authorities, who they say are "dumbfounded" and "appalled" by the lack of a basic investigation into all three possible outcomes (accident, suicide, homicide).
• Missed Opportunity: The family believes that with proper investigation in the initial weeks, their findings could have been corroborated and the case potentially resolved much sooner.

Hopes for the Future

The family hopes that the new evidence, particularly the narrowed timeframe derived from the health app, will lead to a more thorough investigation.

• Identifying a Vehicle: With CCTV footage and the possibility of identifying a vehicle, they hope to shed light on what happened.
• Acceptance of Uncertainty: While they may never find out who was responsible or definitively prove who took Nathan's life, they fear this is due to the significant time lost.
• Respect and Decent Investigation: Their primary goal is to achieve justice for their son by ensuring a "decent investigation" and showing respect for his life.

Official Statements

• Spanish Police: Declined to comment, stating that Nathan's case is under judicial review and they do not wish to hinder the investigation.
• South Wales Police: Confirmed they are carrying out inquiries on behalf of HM Coroner and have appointed a family liaison officer to provide support.

The report concludes by stating that the story will continue to be followed.