GHB double homicide appeal

NSW Police have asked for public help to solve the suspicious GHB-related deaths of two men after spending the night at Oxford St venues in 2006.

Nathan Skropeta, 18, was found in a unit on Buckingham St, Surry Hills on 16 June, and Phillip Wyburn, 49, was found in a unit on Crown St, Darlinghurst on 1 November. Both had similar high levels of the drug GHB in their systems.

Homicide detectives who formed a strike force to investigate the deaths said there were similarities between the cases in the events leading up to the GHB overdoses and in how the bodies were discovered.

It was believed Skropeta and another man had spent the night of Thursday 15 June at several Oxford and Crown St venues before ending up at Buckingham St.

In the case of Wyburn, detectives believe he was planning to meet two unidentified men at a Crown St hotel on 30 October. Police hoped to speak with those two men.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Beresford said the two deaths were tragic and the homicide squad was continuing to thoroughly investigate.

These fatal incidents act as a warning to the public about the potential risks associated when taking the drug GHB. Large doses of the drug are dangerous and can prove fatal, he said.

We are appealing to members of the public who may have information about either of the incidents to come forward and contact police.

Anyone with information about the deaths of Nathan Skropeta or Phillip Wyburn were urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.