Man arrested on suspicion of murdering wealthy Leeds businessman over 20 years ago
Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of murdering a wealthy businessman in Leeds more than 20 years ago.
The 55-year-old suspect was arrested in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on Wednesday and detained for questioning over the death of 57-year-old John Luper.
While walking his dog on the evening of February 16, 2004, Mr Luper was ambushed in his neighbour’s driveway by a group of masked men and dragged to his home in Alwoodley.
His wife, daughter and the family’s babysitter were bound with duct tape and left in an upstairs bedroom as the robbers looted jewellery, clothes and £100,000 worth of cash.
After being freed, Mr. Luper’s family found him unconscious downstairs.
Police were called at 1.45am and despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Autopsy results showed that the person died as a result of drowning.
Among the items stolen from the property that evening was a rare platinum Cartier watch with vertical rows of diamonds on either side of the dial.
Mr Luper was a director of a clothing company, a property rental company and a non-executive director of a sports and media group.
A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering businessman John Luper (pictured), who died aged 57 in 2004.
Officers said the arrest stemmed from the results of ‘forensic material’ found by officers (A photograph taken by medical examiners at the house where Mr Luper died in Leeds)
Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Damian Roebuck said analysis of ‘forensic material’ led to the suspect’s arrest this week.
He added: ‘Our investigation team is determined to do everything we can to achieve justice for John Luper and his family.
‘Mr Luper’s family has been informed and whilst we appreciate that the arrest will understandably lead to a renewed focus on the investigation, we do not anticipate any immediate developments at this stage.
‘It’s been more than 22 years since John was brutally murdered and we are determined to find out who killed him.
‘He was a leading businessman in North Leeds so I would appeal to anyone who knows of people making inquiries about him and his business dealings at the time of the murder to please come forward with their name.
‘Equally, perhaps you were contacted at the time of the murder and asked to purchase jewelery from unknown persons.
‘This information could be vital to our investigation.’
