Murder suspect in court after Richard Groves' body found in flat
A 28-year-old man has appeared before magistrates charged with murder after a body was discovered at a flat in Smethwick.
The victim has been named as 32-year-old Richard Groves, of Thompson Road, Warley. He was found dead at a flat in Alfred Gunn House at around 12.40pm on Wednesday.
Unemployed Darren Lander, of no fixed address, appeared at Sandwell Magistrates court today, where his case was transferred to Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Lander was remanded in custody and is due to appear at crown court on May 23.
A post mortem is currently taking place to establish the cause of death and the flat remained sealed off on Thursday while forensic teams examined the scene.
The flats are by the side of Langley Green railway line and close to the main Wolverhampton Road into Oldbury.
A murder investigation is on going, with Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin of West Midlands Police appealing for witnesses.
He said: "I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in or around Thompson road between 5pm and midnight on Monday 16 May."
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
