Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s chilly case Murder unit are reviewing potential connections between serial killer Steve Wright, often known as the Suffolk Strangler, and the 1986 disappearance of property agent Suzy Lamplugh.
Suzy Lamplugh’s Disappearance
Suzy Lamplugh, 25, vanished on July 28, 1986, after leaving her workplace in Fulham, southwest London, to satisfy a consumer named ‘Mr Kipper’ at 37 Shorrolds Highway. A word in her diary marked the 12:45 p.m. appointment. Witnesses noticed a lady matching her description on the property round 1 p.m. with a neatly dressed man in a darkish swimsuit.
Her white Ford Fiesta was discovered deserted later that night in Stevenage Highway, a few mile away. The automotive was poorly parked with the handbrake off, her purse within the door pocket, and the seat pushed again unusually far. Police searched the close by Thames River however discovered no hint.
A buddy noticed Suzy driving north on Fulham Palace Highway at 2:45 p.m. with an unrecognized man. An artist’s impression depicted the suspect as a white male, 25-30 years outdated, 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in tall, with darkish swept-back hair.
Steve Wright’s Potential Involvement
Investigators are inspecting Wright’s interactions with Suzy throughout their time engaged on the QE2 luxurious liner. Wright served as a steward, whereas Suzy labored as a beautician. The ship docked in Southampton on the morning of her disappearance after a transatlantic voyage from New York.
Official information present the QE2 moored in Southampton for 2 days, permitting Wright time to succeed in London. His ex-wife, Diane Cole, remembers a shock go to to their Essex house round that point. “I keep in mind it being the peak of summer season as a result of I had the children subsequent door in a paddling pool,” Cole, now 71, acknowledged. “He arrived loaded with Christian Dior make-up for me… Suzy was a beautician on the ship.”
Cole additionally noticed Wright chatting with Suzy twice within the ship hall. “He was having a beautiful time. I don’t suppose she was curious about him,” she added. Witnesses affirm Wright knew Suzy: former steward Steve Adler famous he “appreciated the ladies, notably the beauticians like Suzy.” Waiter Paul Tennant stated Wright “tried to turn into a buddy of Suzy’s on a regular basis.” Terry Cassidy recalled Suzy on the salon reception close to his girlfriend’s store.
Wright’s Legal Historical past
Wright, 67, serves a whole-life sentence for murdering 5 ladies in Ipswich in 2006: Tania Nicol, 19; Gemma Adams, 25; Anneli Alderton, 24; Paula Clennell, 24; and Annette Nicholls, 29. He lately pleaded responsible to strangling Victoria Corridor, 17, in Felixstowe.
Cole described his violent conduct on the QE2, together with assaults with knives or scissors, strangling makes an attempt, and drug use to remain awake. He as soon as scrawled insults on her cabin door along with her lipstick. “He ought to inform the reality for the sake of Suzy’s household,” she urged. “Police really want to have a look at him once more.”
Authorities hyperlink him to extra unsolved circumstances, together with Jeannette Kempton, Natalie Pearman, Amanda Duncan, Kellie Pratt, and Michelle Bettles.
Ongoing Investigation
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson acknowledged: “The investigation into the disappearance and homicide of Suzy Lamplugh is ongoing, and detectives stay dedicated to securing justice for her household. We proceed to evaluate any new data.”
John Cannan was as soon as a major suspect however not charged as a result of inadequate proof; he died in 2023. Wright has not but been questioned concerning the case. Suzy’s mother and father, Diana and Paul Lamplugh, handed away in 2011 and 2018, respectively. This stays one of many UK’s longest-running homicide investigations.
