Amery Wilkes (29), junior minister for the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, was found stabbed dead early this morning in Muggle London. Wilkes, whose whereabouts were unknown for several days following the Englewood/Corner wedding, was expected at the Russian Ministry late Sunday night, but was reported as never having arrived. It was not until an unsuspecting shopkeeper began his rounds, was Wilkes's body discovered in an alleyway. Coroner reports indicate the time of death to be early January 1st, though the cause of death has not been made public. Neither his family nor his office were available for commenting—

Following an investigation into the murder of Amery Wilkes, Aurors have announced Ellis Barnes to be the guilty party. A small team of Aurors were dispatched to his estate in Leeds and during attempted capture, Barnes was neutralized. It is unknown at this time whether his wife, Heidi Barnes, was caught in the crossfire.