The Metropolitan Police has expressed regret regarding its inquiry into the death of an American drag performer in April 2023.
Steven Grygelko, known on stage as Heklina, was discovered deceased in a Soho apartment in central London by his friend Joshua Grannell.
Mr. Grannell voiced his outrage that it took nearly two years for authorities to publicly seek help in locating three men who investigators believe were present at the flat shortly before Mr. Grygelko was found.
A review conducted by Baroness Casey in March 2023 highlighted issues of systemic homophobia, racism, and misogyny within the police force.
The 55-year-old Mr. Grygelko and Mr. Grannell were in London to prepare for their drag parody performance, Mommie Queerest, at the Soho Theatre.
Recently, law enforcement released CCTV footage of three individuals who may hold crucial information regarding the case.
Mr. Grannell criticized the police for not keeping him and Mr. Grygelko’s family members updated throughout the investigation.
“When I departed London, they had assigned me a family liaison officer. They assured me we would receive weekly updates, be involved in the proceedings, and be informed about any developments.
“I boarded that flight, and every email went unanswered for many months. They completely ignored us.”
He also stated that they had yet to receive official information regarding the cause of Mr. Grygelko’s death, which is considered unexpected, and accused the Metropolitan Police of treating him and his friend as if they were “trash.”
“I resist the urge to label it as homophobia without just cause, but the circumstances leave me no alternative.”
Mr. Grannell discovered his friend’s body upon returning to their shared flat one morning and told the police that he was “certain” someone had been there prior to his arrival.
“The door wasn’t just unlocked; it was ajar. When I went to insert my key, it simply swung open.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated that they had conducted “a number of inquiries” before releasing the CCTV footage.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah acknowledged that Mr. Grygelko’s family had felt frustrated with the slow pace of the investigation and the lack of communication.
She remarked, “We apologize and will take steps to rectify this.”
Moreover, she mentioned that officers were actively engaging with London’s LGBT+ community to address broader safety issues.
Following several scandals, including mishandling the investigation into serial killer Stephen Port, the Met has been working to restore public trust.
Although various reforms have been implemented, such as appointing new community liaison officers, only 55% of LGBT+ respondents in a survey conducted by the mayor’s office for policing and crime indicated they trusted the Metropolitan Police, in contrast to 73% of non-LGBT+ respondents.
Mr. Grannell, performing under the name Peaches Christ, honored his friend as a “trailblazer” who paved the way for countless other drag performers.
“Heklina was possibly one of the wittiest individuals I’ve ever met—darkly humorous and secretly kind, though she preferred to keep her generosity under wraps.”
He expressed that he had been persistently pondering the circumstances surrounding his friend’s demise.
“This nightmare has been life-altering, and the Metropolitan Police has only made it far worse.”
