(EPICSTORIAN) — A 19-year-old has pleaded guilty to murdering his mother and two younger siblings in a shotgun rampage at their home in Luton.
The court also heard that he was planning to carry out a school shooting before being stopped by police.
Nicholas Prosper, who had previously denied the charges, entered his guilty pleas in a brief hearing at Luton Crown Court. He admitted to killing his mother, Juliana Prosper, 48, his 13-year-old sister, Giselle, and his 16-year-old brother, Kyle, in a brutal attack on September 13 last year.
He also confessed to illegally obtaining a 12-ball Nikko shotgun without a certificate, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, and carrying a knife when police apprehended him near the crime scene. A loaded shotgun and over 30 cartridges were found hidden in bushes nearby.
Massacre Thwarted Before School Attack
Authorities revealed for the first time that Prosper had planned a school shooting in Luton, but he was arrested before he could carry it out.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Khanna of the Major Crime Unit described the case as “a truly tragic and shocking event in which three innocent lives were taken in a cold-blooded attack.”
“What was uncovered during our investigation left no doubt that he intended to target a school. Fortunately, officers apprehended him before he could inflict further harm,” Khanna said.
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy acknowledged the distress caused by the case.
“Juliana, Kyle, and Giselle were brutally murdered in their home by someone intent on causing maximum devastation, not only to his family but to the wider community,” he said.
“We are grateful to the officers who prevented him from carrying out a larger-scale attack.”
Courtroom Tension as Prosper Awaits Sentencing
During the hearing, Prosper stood with his arms crossed and bit his lip as the charges were read. No family members were present in court.
He was remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced over two days next week before Judge Michael Simon.
Chris Derrick, a senior prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said, “Prosper murdered his closest family using a shotgun he acquired without a license, with a clear intent to kill.
The full extent of his crimes will be revealed at sentencing, and he can expect a lengthy prison term.”
Neighbours described Prosper as a reclusive figure who rarely interacted with others. Some had been unaware of his existence, despite knowing his mother and siblings.
Grazyna Karwecka, a resident living above the family’s flat in Leabank Tower, recalled hearing gunfire and a woman’s screams on the morning of the attack.
“It was around 5:15 a.m. I was in my bathroom getting ready when I heard a gunshot, then a scream, and then loud noises like furniture falling,” she said.
Floral tributes were left outside the high-rise apartment in the days following the killings.
Luton Council leader Hazel Simmons said, “The revelation that the perpetrator intended to target a school is deeply distressing. Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones and the wider community still grappling with this tragedy.”
She assured residents that schools in Luton have strict security measures in place and that further reviews were underway in response to the court’s revelations.
Police and Council Strengthen School Security
Authorities have pledged to work closely with schools to provide support and reinforce security measures. “This case is understandably unsettling for parents,” Simmons said.
“The council is collaborating with schools to ensure students, staff, and families receive the assistance they need.”
Prosper’s sentencing next week is expected to bring further details to light about his motives and plans.
