Murder of

Agoura Hills woman, 20, being investigated
in London
By Lori Porter
Acorn Staff Writer

The Don and Joanne Kaplan family of Agoura Hills is dealing with unbearable sadness after they learned about the violent death of their 20-year-old daughter, Alyson Ilene Kaplan, while she was vacationing in England.

Kaplan was lured from a train platform in London’s Victoria Station by a transient man, who ultimately robbed and strangled her to death. She wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near Victoria Station, but a freak blizzard shut down the London transit system, preventing Kaplan from following her planned rendezvous with a classmate in Bristol. Her classmate immediately contacted authorities and reported Kaplan as missing.

Kaplan’s body was found in a hotel room in Pimlico, an area of central London, by a hotel housekeeper on Fri., Jan 31. The hotel was used by the Department of Social Services for housing the homeless as well as other guests. The housekeeper contacted the Department of Social Services right away.

According to Detective/constable Steve Holman of London, the transient, identified as Robert Noble, a 28-year-old white male from Scotland, turned himself in at a police station in Brighton within two days of the discovery of Kaplan’s body.

Noble appeared in court and was officially charged with the murder of Alyson Kaplan on Mon., Feb. 3. He’s awaiting trial at Central Criminal Court.

Holman said that although forensic tests and results were still pending, it appears Kaplan died by strangulation.

Because the murder is still under investigation, further details weren’t available. The investigation is being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Services Serious Crime Group in North London.

Steve Bennett, a spokesman for the Kaplan family, released the following statement:

"The Kaplan family wishes to thank all of the many friends and family members who have reached out to us as we remember Alyson, her passion for life and her love for us. We would also like to give special thanks to the authorities, both in the United Kingdom and here in the United States, for their compassionate help on behalf of Alyson.

"The senseless tragedy that took her from us must serve to remind all young people that they can indeed strive for anything they dream of. Aly did have dreams. Unfortunately, they must also pursue their dreams with care and caution for the few who would deceive or harm them. Our Aly fell victim to one of those few.

"We appreciate your interest and ask that you respect our request for privacy for the family and for those close to us during this difficult period. We will not be responding further to questions at this time."

Alyson Ilene Kaplan is survived by her parents, Joanne and Don Kaplan, her grandmother Ruth Kaplan-Solton her brother, Drew Kaplan, and her sisters, Tara Kaplan and Lisa Kaplan-Klenner.

The Kaplan family has set up a Website for further inquiries and for the purpose of updates, such as when and where Alyson’s memorial service will be held at www.alysonkaplan.com.

The Kaplans are remembered for their extraordinary holiday display in the vicinity of Grey Rock Road and T.O. Boulevard. They eventually discontinued it after complaints from nearby residents about excessive vehicle traffic.