Man Charged With Murder After Death At Peak District Stone Circle As Police Continue Investigation
A murder investigation is continuing after a 26-year-old man was found dead near the historic Nine Ladies Stone Circle in England’s Peak District during the summer solstice weekend.
Derbyshire Police have charged a 23-year-old man with murder following the death of Isaac Clare-Watts, whose body was discovered in the early hours near the popular ancient monument. The case has attracted widespread attention because of the location of the incident and the subsequent arrest, while detectives continue appealing for witnesses to help establish exactly what occurred.
Emergency services were called to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a well-known prehistoric monument on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire, after reports that a man had been found seriously injured.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Isaac Clare-Watts, from Nottingham, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police immediately established a large cordon around the area while forensic investigators examined the site and specialist officers began gathering evidence.
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a popular destination for walkers, tourists, and visitors attending seasonal gatherings, particularly during the summer solstice. Investigators have therefore been working to identify everyone who may have been present in the area before the incident.
Following the investigation, Derbyshire Police charged 23-year-old Szymon Babynko, a Polish national living in London, with the murder of Clare-Watts.
The defendant appeared before magistrates following his arrest and has been remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.
The charge marks the beginning of the criminal prosecution, and Babynko remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Police have also confirmed that Babynko faces a separate charge of attempted murder relating to an unrelated incident in Chesterfield several days after the death of Clare-Watts.
Authorities have not alleged that the two investigations are directly connected, although detectives continue examining all relevant evidence surrounding both incidents.
The attempted murder allegation will proceed independently through the courts.
As part of the wider investigation, police also arrested a 41-year-old man.
However, after further inquiries, that individual was released on police bail while investigations continue. Officers have not announced any further charges against him and have not disclosed his role, if any, in the ongoing inquiry.
Detectives from Derbyshire Police’s Major Crime Unit continue carrying out extensive investigative work.
Forensic specialists have examined the scene, while officers have reviewed CCTV footage, mobile phone data, witness statements, and digital evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to Clare-Watts’ death.
Investigators have also launched a Major Incident Public Portal, inviting anyone who attended the area around Stanton Moor during the relevant period to upload photographs, videos, or information that may assist the inquiry.
Police believe even seemingly insignificant details could help establish a clearer timeline of events.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a suspected motive for the alleged killing.
Detectives have likewise declined to comment on the precise cause of death while the criminal proceedings remain active.
Officials have repeatedly urged members of the public to avoid speculation that could interfere with the judicial process.
The death of Isaac Clare-Watts has deeply affected family members and those who knew him.
Although police have released only limited personal details, tributes have continued appearing online as friends remembered the 26-year-old following news of his death.
Support services are being provided to the victim’s family while specialist officers continue keeping relatives informed about developments in the investigation.
Legal experts note that cases involving serious criminal allegations often require months of preparation before reaching trial.
During that time, prosecutors continue gathering evidence, while defense lawyers review disclosure material and prepare their response to the allegations.
The court will ultimately determine whether the prosecution has proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Meanwhile, Derbyshire Police continue appealing for witnesses who may have visited the Nine Ladies Stone Circle or surrounding areas during the relevant period.
Investigators hope additional photographs, videos, or eyewitness accounts will help establish the complete sequence of events before Clare-Watts was found.
As the criminal proceedings move forward, authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that further information will be released only when appropriate.
The outcome of the case will ultimately depend on the evidence presented before the court, where the defendant will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the legal process.
