At a Glance
- Drew Perham, a 24-year-old, was found dead near Millbay Marina, Plymouth, on January 24, 2026.
- Two 19-year-old men have been arrested in connection with the case.
- Police are seeking witnesses who were in the Millbay area between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on the night of the murder.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the swift action of local law-enforcement and the ongoing impact on a grieving family.
The death of Drew Perham has shocked Plymouth and the wider community. Local police have arrested two 19-year-old men, and the investigation is still unfolding.
The Murder of Drew Perham
Drew Perham was reported missing after failing to return home following a night out on Friday, January 23, 2026. His family, after more than 24 hours of uncertainty, received the devastating news on Sunday that he had likely been murdered.
Plymouth Live reported that the body was discovered by authorities in the water near Millbay Marina, on the southern coast of England along the English Channel. The grim discovery came roughly one day after the family had reported him missing.
The victim’s family posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, stating, “We have unfortunately received the most horrendous news, our beautiful and wonderful Drew Perham has been cruelly taken from us. We appreciate all the support and messages, but right now we need the time to navigate this together.”
Police Arrests and Suspect Details
The Devon and Cornwall Police announced that two 19-year-old men have been arrested in connection with Perham’s death. The police did not disclose the suspects’ names but revealed that one is from Plymouth and the other is from Exmouth, roughly 50 miles northeast of where Perham’s body was found.
Detective Superintendent James Dowler released a statement on Monday morning. He said, “It has been an ‘unbelievably difficult time’ for Drew Perham’s family after receiving the news from investigators on Sunday.”
Dowler urged anyone with information to contact the police. He added, “We are particularly interested in people who may have been in the Millbay area between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. during the early hours of Saturday, January 24.”
Family Reaction and Community Impact
The family’s Facebook post, shared by local media, reflected the deep sorrow and shock felt by those close to Perham. The message emphasized the need for privacy and time to grieve.
Community members in Plymouth have expressed solidarity, with many offering support and condolences. Local businesses and community groups have organized vigils and fundraising efforts to assist the family during this difficult period.
Investigation Details and Next Steps
The investigation remains active. Police are examining evidence collected from the scene and are working to identify any potential witnesses who were present in the Millbay area during the critical time window.
The Devon and Cornwall Police have released a public appeal for information. They are encouraging anyone who may have seen or heard something unusual between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, to come forward.
The arrest of the two suspects is the latest development in a case that has already drawn significant attention. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and will keep the public updated as new information becomes available.
Key Takeaways
- Drew Perham, a 24-year-old, was found dead near Millbay Marina on January 24, 2026.
- Two 19-year-old men have been arrested; one is from Plymouth, the other from Exmouth.
- Police are seeking witnesses who were in the Millbay area between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on the night of the murder.
- The case underscores the importance of community cooperation in criminal investigations.
- The family remains in a state of mourning and has requested privacy during the investigation.
The investigation continues, and authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Devon and Cornwall Police.
