Luton: Man, 18, appears in court charged with murder of two teenagers and woman

An 18-year-old has appeared in court charged with the murder of a woman and two teenagers in Luton.

The bodies of Juliana Prosper, 48, Giselle Prosper, 13, and Kyle Prosper, 16, were found at a flat in Leabank, off Wauluds Bank Drive, on Friday.

Wearing a grey jumper, Nicholas Prosper, of Leabank, spoke to confirm his name and date of birth at Luton Magistrates' Court on Monday morning.

Prosper, the son and brother of the victims, has also been charged with a number of other offences, the court heard.

According to the court's list, Prosper is charged with purchasing or acquiring a 12-ball Nikko shotgun in Luton without holding a certificate on 12 September and possession of a shotgun on 13 September.

Prosper was also charged with possession of a bladed article, a kitchen knife, in a public place on Bramingham Road on 13 September.

The court's public gallery was full of family members during Prosper's short appearance in the dock.

Deputy district judge Robert Borwick remanded Prosper into custody and ordered him to appear at Luton Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

A friend of the victim said Juliana Prosper "lived for her children" and said she was "a positive person who will be so terribly missed".

A statement on X, from the headteacher at Lea Manor High School, said they were "deeply shocked" by the death of Giselle Prosper.

"Giselle was a beautiful soul and a model pupil, she excelled in all her subjects and will be sorely missed, particularly by her friends in Year 9."

Kyle Prosper's school described the incident as "devastating" and offered "heartfelt condolences" to his family.

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A statement issued by Cardinal Newman Catholic School said: "This is devastating news to all those who knew and loved Kyle and it will take some time to come to terms with the profound sense of loss.

"We know this will be a difficult time for students and staff and we will do all we can to support them with love and compassion.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kyle's family on their immeasurable loss, to his friends and to all those in neighbouring schools who are coming to terms with their own loss."