John Cannan, the convicted murderer and rapist suspected in the unsolved disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh, died of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, an inquest has revealed. The 70-year-old passed away on November 6 at HMP Full Sutton in East Yorkshire, where he was serving a life sentence for the 1987 murder of Shirley Banks.
Prime Suspect in Suzy Lamplugh Case
Cannan, also the prime suspect in the 1986 disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh, had denied involvement in her case. Lamplugh, 25, vanished in July 1986 after leaving her West London office to meet a client known only as “Mr Kipper.” Her body has never been found, despite extensive investigations and searches, including excavations at Cannan’s mother’s former home in 2018.
Lamplugh’s family expressed their disappointment at never receiving closure following Cannan’s death. Suzy’s car was discovered abandoned in Fulham, and police have long believed she was abducted and murdered.
Details of the Inquest
The inquest into Cannan’s death was opened and adjourned on Friday at Hull Coroner’s Court. Area Coroner Lorraine Harris confirmed Cannan’s identity and cause of death during the brief hearing.
Legacy of Crimes
Cannan was convicted in 1989 for the murder of Shirley Banks, a newlywed from Bristol, whose death shocked the nation. He had a history of violent offences, including rape, and had long been considered a dangerous individual by law enforcement.
Despite being questioned about Lamplugh’s disappearance, no charges were ever brought against Cannan in connection to the case. His death closes a chapter on one of the UK’s most infamous criminal investigations but leaves unanswered questions for Lamplugh’s grieving family.
