Nicholas Prosper was arrested last Friday after police responded to reports of gunshots at a block of flats in Luton, Bedfordshire. The victims, his 48-year-old mother Juliana, 16-year-old brother Kyle, and 13-year-old sister Giselle, were found dead in one of the flats.
During his brief appearance at Luton Magistrates Court, Prosper, dressed in a grey prison-issued jumper and tracksuit bottoms, only spoke to confirm his name and date of birth. He faces multiple charges related to the murders, and a firearm was reportedly discovered during a subsequent search of the area.
Deputy District Judge Robert Borwick stated, “Nicholas Prosper, the charges against you must be heard in Crown Court. Your case will be transferred to Luton Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on September 18, 2024. I do not have the authority to grant bail, so you will remain in custody until that date.”
As Prosper was taken to the cells, a man believed to be his father expressed his support, saying, “I still love you son. I know it’s not your fault, okay?”
The bodies were discovered at 5:30 a.m. at Leabank Tower. Prosper was apprehended nearby shortly afterward. Neighbors reported hearing loud bangs, initially mistaken for a car backfire, and were shocked to learn that a shooting had occurred.
A local male nurse, who has lived in the area for 22 years, expressed disbelief at the violence, stating that despite the occasional bad behavior, he had never felt unsafe.
The Prosper family were known to regularly attend a local church, and Kyle was a student at a nearby Catholic school. Juliana Prosper worked at a local Sainsbury’s and was described as having a “heart of gold” by her colleague Lewis, 24, who remembered her as a kind and devoted mother. A friend of Juliana’s noted that she “lived for her children” and would be deeply missed.
Cardinal Newman Catholic School described the incident as “devastating” and extended its “heartfelt condolences” to the family. They have communicated with parents and carers about the support available for students when they return to school on Monday.
