A Cardiff night out took a tragic turn last January with the mysterious death of beloved drag queen, Darren Meah-Moore. Known for dazzling performances under the stage names CC Quinn, Crystal Coutoure, and Dolly Diamond, Darren’s final night was pieced together by detectives using hundreds of hours of CCTV footage.
Darren, who had entertained audiences across South Wales and beyond with his comedic flair and performances of Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse hits, spent his last known hours visiting several popular nightlife spots in Cardiff. CCTV caught him interacting with three men throughout the night, but he vanished from view after meeting the third man.
The heartbreaking discovery of Darren’s body, hidden under cardboard boxes in a city centre lane, led to an inquest revealing unsettling details. Although his belongings, including £200 and his mobile phone, remained intact, dismissing robbery as a motive, the circumstances surrounding his death were immediately suspicious.
Detective Superintendent Paul Raikes expressed concerns over the potential homicide, given the scene’s nature and the attempts to conceal the body. Further investigation ruled out visible injuries typically associated with an assault, yet troubling evidence emerged involving one of Darren’s final acquaintances and a dog.
The inquest unfolded dramatic revelations, with DNA evidence linking back to this man and raising questions over the presence of his dog. Despite no conclusive precedent from expert opinions or available case studies, the refusal to surrender the dog for examination raised further concern.
The ongoing investigation into Darren’s untimely death leaves many questions unanswered, with the inquest continuing to unravel more details. Stay tuned for further updates as we follow this tragic and complex case. Rest in peace, Darren – your vibrant performances and spirit will be greatly missed.