An assault investigation is now a murder probe after the victim died in hospital.
Wayne Sheppard, 44, of Waiblingen Way, Devizes, was found injured in New Park Court on Saturday night (2 July), and the next day a man was arrested on suspicion of serious assault.
Darren Fell, 39, of Hewitt Court, New Park Court, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court earlier this week charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with this incident.
He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Salisbury Crown Court on August 5.
In a sad update, Mr Sheppard was pronounced dead in hospital and a murder investigation is now underway – led by the Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).
In a short tribute released by his family today, they said: “Our dear son Wayne has passed away peacefully at Great Western Hospital on the 8th July 2022.
“He was such a lovely son and father and always a happy go lucky bloke. He always helped out other people and he will be missed by us all.”
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, said: “Firstly, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Wayne at this incredibly difficult and upsetting time – we have specialist officers in place to support them.
“I have now declared this as a murder investigation, which I understand will no doubt cause concern amongst the tight knit community within Devizes.
“I would like to reassure residents that a man has been charged with GBH with intent in relation to the incident and we remain in contact with the CPS regarding this.
“Please be reassured that there is no wider risk to the public and we are conducting extremely thorough enquiries as part of our investigation.
“We would like to renew our appeal for witnesses to the incident – did you see or hear anything suspicious in the area of Hewitt Court, New Park Street, on Saturday evening?
“Do you have dash cam, CCTV or doorbell footage which could be relevant to our investigation?
“If you’ve not already spoken to police, please get in touch by calling 101 and quote crime reference number 54220069022. Alternatively, call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
