Fresh enchantment for ‘John Denver lookalike’ who murdered man 43 years in the past
Detectives have launched a fresh appeal for information on a John Denver lookalike who stabbed a man to death in a public toilet 43 years ago.
The mystery suspect left 46-year-old James ‘Jimmy’ Adams with 22 stab wounds after he cornered him in the bathroom, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on May 26, 1981.
Jimmy, a glass collector at the New Beehive Inn had walked to the toilet at the junction of Carlise Road and Bavaria Place after finishing his shift just after midnight.
The man who police believe to be the killer began following Jimmy before locals heard his screams from the toilet at around 12.45am. He sadly died from multiple stab wounds in hospital.
Three witnesses later confronted the suspect at a local business, the Marlborough Garage, where he threatened to stab them before running off.
The mystery suspect left 46-year-old James ‘Jimmy’ Adams (pictured) with 22 stab wounds after he cornered him in the bathroom, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on May 26, 1981
Police interviews with those who saw the knifeman revealed that he bore a resemblance to the American singer John Denver.
An artist’s impression of the suspect was produced back in 1981, where he was described as around 25-35 years old and between 5ft 6 inches and 5ft 8 inches tall.
He wore glasses and was said to be of medium build with dirty blonde, collar-length hair.
Detective Sergeant Richard, from West Yorkshire Police, said the force was looking for new leads on the cold case on the eve of Jimmy’s violent death.
An artist’s impression of the suspect was produced back in 1981, where he was described as around 25-35 years old and between 5ft 6 inches and 5ft 8 inches tall
He said: ‘West Yorkshire Police never files or closes undetected serious offences until they are solved.
‘We are reviewing this case and hoping a re-appeal on the anniversary of the murder, it might jog people’s memories.
‘We appreciate it is a long time ago, but any information however small could be the line of enquiry that we need to identify this man.
‘Our focus remains on James and his family and seeking justice for them, no matter how long ago.’
