Daughter of John Luper makes appeal 12 years on from his murder
The family of a Leeds businessman murdered at his Alwoodley home have made a fresh appeal for information on the 12th anniversary of his death.
The family of a Leeds businessman murdered at his Alwoodley home have made a fresh appeal for information on the 12th anniversary of his death.
John Luper, 57, died during a robbery at his home on Sandmoor Drive on the night of February 16 2004.
"I got woken up by masked people. Tied up. When I finally got released I ran downstairs and found my dad dead on the floor. I tried to resuscitate him but it didn't work.
"I know there's people out there with information and I'm begging you to come forward.
"At the beginning I was angry and now I'm just deflated, I don't know what to think. I don't know how they could do it. Separate a father and a family.
"I never went back. I went back to pack my clothes once and I've never been back again."
John's brother Toby says he remains confident the family will one day get the answers they are searching for: "He was a larger than life character. Great fun. We were like one finger, hence why it still upsets me 12 years after they day he died.
"We were in business together so we saw each other every day. It's a very hard thing for me to come here today. I never come down this street, only on this day to make the appeal.
"It's very difficult to put into words how I feel. I used to feel very angry. Now i just feel determined to ensure these people will get their just deserts because there is no way I will ever give up and therefore we will catch these people."
Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson is leading the case. He believes there are people in Leeds who have the information they need: "This was a planned, organised operation and the answers lie out there.
He's appealing for anyone who knows anything about what went on that night to 'lay allegencies aside' and contact the police: "The message is pick up the phone and do the right thing. It's never too late. Twelve years seems a long time but in the lives of the people involved, it's not long enough, so please get in touch."