ByJohn Fisher, John Fisher
1 min read
ByJohn Fisher, John Fisher
Leeds detectives re-examining the unsolved murder of a communal personality using the latest forensic technology have issued a renewed appeal for information.
John Luper, 57, died following a robbery at his home in February 2004. Police believe he was attacked by a group of up to five masked men as he walked his dog before being dragged back to his Sandmoor Drive property.
His wife, daughter and au pair were tied up by the robbers, who fled with £100,000 worth of cash and jewellery.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major inquiry team said that “in the nine years since the robbery that led to Mr Luper’s death, we have received some very useful information from the public. But I believe there are a number of people with more to say.
“I am sure members of the criminal fraternity will have suspicions about who was responsible and I would call on them to come forward and provide that vital piece of information.
“Let’s not lose sight of the fact that a father and husband was left to die alone while his family were tied up in the same house.”
Mr Luper was an active member of the local United Hebrew Congregation, where the Luper Room is used for receptions and board meetings. He also supported UJIA.
The family once ran the country’s biggest suit factory, servicing high street names such as Burton and Burberry.
Younger brother Toby said the murder “continues to have a devastating impact on our entire family.
“John was a larger than life character and his loss left a huge void in all our lives.” Their mother Olga “cried every day” after the murder. “She died on the yahrzeit of John’s death five years later.”
Mr Luper urged anyone with information to contact the police as “it could make all the difference. We know the police are doing all they can to get the evidence to convict those responsible for my brother’s murder.”
Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111