Man arrested after drag queen found dead in alleyway after leaving club
A MAN has been arrested after a drag queen was found dead in an alleyway.
Darren Moore, 39, was last seen leaving the gay nightclub Pulse in Cardiff at 5am on Sunday.
He was found dead in a lane close to Windsor Place and Park Lane on Sunday evening.
Now cops have arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of manslaughter.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Raikes said: “Initial investigations have so far not revealed or confirmed any obvious cause of death, however extensive enquiries are continuing to establish the cause and circumstances of Mr Moore’s death.
“I would like to thank the community for the excellent support they have provided to this investigation so far, which has helped enormously, and I would appeal for anyone with information to please come forward.
“I would also again like to respectfully ask people to refrain from speculating on social media about what has occurred and please let the police investigation take its course.”
Anxious friends and family posted messages on social media appealing for help finding him after he did not get in touch and his phone was off.
Jewellery designer Darren, whose creations had featured on Ru Paul’s Drag Race, had been performing his drag act Crystal Couture just hours before going missing.
A spokeswoman for South Wales Police called on anyone who saw him in the early hours of Sunday morning to come forward.
She said: “Darren was last seen at around 5am dressed in drag and was wearing full face make-up, a luminous green dress, a blonde wig, diamante heels and a matching clutch bag.”
A fundraiser for his funeral was set up yesterday by his husband, also called Darren Moore.
It said: “Anyone who knew Darren would know how he was never understated in his appearance and costume. His larger-than-life character and charisma were something that you’ll never forget.
“We’d like to support Darren and the family and give Darren the biggest send off. If you’re able too and can afford a few quid, please donate what you can to ensure we do him proud.”
Cardiff’s gay pub The Golden Cross posted a message on Twitter saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Darren Moore’s passing. Many of you will know of his long standing support of the Golden.
“He was the life and soul of the Party and would always be entertaining the masses, usually accompanied with a round of shots.”
Others paid tribute to Darren – whose jewellery firm BlingBlingBlingUK featured on Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Tom Barnett-Griffiths wrote: “Woke up to devastating News. Heart broken! Cardiff has lost another legend. Little Darren.
“Words can’t get over how myself and Leigh are feeling right now. You was always full of energy, love, heart of gold, and a loving friend and husband.
“Sympathy and love goes out to his family.”
As a teenager, and under his previous name of Darren Sewell, he was convicted of four counts of rape on a boy under the age of 14 and sent to a Young Offenders’ Institution for three years.
He was banned from having contact with children but in 2011 he was convicted of breaching the order by working as a gymnastics and dance tutor with children in Cardiff.
He was sentenced to a three-year sex offender’s treatment programme, a 24-month supervision order, 300 hours unpaid work and a six-month curfew on electronic tag.
Crystal Couture’s official website describes his act as “for audiences large and small and of all ages” and “available for wedding, christening, birthdays, and celebrations of all types”.
But audience members walked out of a “Pride Without Prejudice” event in 2018 when he made insensitive jokes about prolific child abuser Jimmy Saville.
Superintendent Michelle Conquer, Head of Operations at Cardiff and Vale BCU, said: “We understand there is shock and upset in the local and wider community following the death of Darren Moore who was a well-known drag artist in Cardiff.
“While an investigation is on-going, our Neighbourhood Policing Team as always will continue to provide a visible police presence in the city centre.
“A police cordon is in place while enquiries continue at the scene, and we thank the community for their support at this time.
“South Wales Police is proud to represent and protect all communities that it serves.
“Cardiff has a long and proud tradition of recognising, celebrating and protecting equality and diversity. Anyone who has concerns is asked to please contact South Wales Police in confidence.”