What evidence led police to suspect foul play in Osaretin Oronsaye's death?

The discovery of Mr. Oronsaye's missing wallet, keys, and phone at the handyman's residence, along with post-mortem findings of a stabbing and strangulation, shifted the investigation from suicide to murder.

What was the nature of the dispute between Osaretin Oronsaye and Dorin Ciorba?

Mr. Oronsaye was suing Ciorba for over £2,000 concerning work done on the victim's flat, and Ciorba received an email about the court case the day before the fatal incident.

What is Dorin Ciorba's defense in the murder trial of Osaretin Oronsaye?

Ciorba claims Mr. Oronsaye propositioned him for sex, and during a confrontation, Mr. Oronsaye accidentally hit his head and fell, rather than being deliberately attacked.

Home / Crime and Justice / Scissors Stabbing: Family Denies Suicide Ruling

Scissors Stabbing: Family Denies Suicide Ruling

21 Jan

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Summary

Man found dead, initially ruled suicide by authorities.
Family's disbelief led to discovery of missing personal items.
Handyman charged with murder after new evidence emerged.

Scissors Stabbing: Family Denies Suicide Ruling

Osaretin Oronsaye, 62, was discovered deceased in his Dartford home on July 5, 2025. Police initially treated the circumstances as non-suspicious, with the coroner suggesting suicide. However, Mr. Oronsaye's family rejected this conclusion, noting the absence of his essential personal items.

Their suspicions were confirmed when Mr. Oronsaye's keys, wallet, and phone were later found at the flat of Dorin Ciorba, a handyman. This discovery prompted a murder investigation, revealing Mr. Oronsaye had been fatally stabbed in the jugular and strangled. Ciorba now faces charges of murder and robbery.

Evidence presented at Maidstone Crown Court indicated a prior dispute between Mr. Oronsaye and Ciorba over a £2,000 payment for work. CCTV footage showed Ciorba visiting the victim's home shortly before his death and leaving in different attire. Ciorba's defense claims Mr. Oronsaye propositioned him for sex, leading to an accidental head injury, and alleges Mr. Oronsaye was involved in drug dealing.