Glyn Powell, who was one of six individuals convicted in the 1992 torture and murder of Suzanne Capper, has died of cancer. Powell was released from prison in 2023 and passed away in March, according to The Crime Desk. Suzanne Capper, 16, was subjected to a seven-day ordeal that included prolonged torture, being set on fire, and ultimately died from her injuries.
Stephen Capper, Suzanne's brother, stated that Powell's death means "one less off the planet." He has dedicated his life to seeking justice for his sister since he was 16. "I want to keep fighting until they've all died or they breach their parole and end up back inside. I can't leave this, ever. I'll leave this when I leave this earth," he said.
Glyn Powell was considered one of the ringleaders of the group, along with his then-estranged wife, Jean Powell, and Bernadette McNeilly. All three, along with Anthony Dudson, received life sentences for their roles in the crime. Clifford Pook and Jeffrey Leigh received lesser sentences.
Stephen Capper, now 46, was 12 when his sister died. He has spoken about suffering from PTSD and mental health issues stemming from the event, recounting how the smell of burning flesh from the hospital ward where Suzanne was treated still haunts him. "I think Suzanne was very let down by lots of people," he said. "Some people think it's best forgotten. But I don't think Suzanne's legacy should ever be left alone."
Suzanne was lured to a house on December 7, 1992, by Jean Powell and McNeilly. She was subsequently held captive for seven days at two locations in Manchester. During this time, her head and pubic hair were shaved, she was beaten, and subjected to other forms of torture, including having her teeth pulled out with pliers by Clifford Pook. Her attackers played a rave track with dialogue from the film "Child's Play" over headphones during parts of the ordeal. The torture escalated at the second location out of concern for children present in the house.
On December 14, 1992, Suzanne was driven to a secluded spot on the outskirts of Stockport, doused in petrol, and set on fire by the group, who sang "burn, baby, burn." Believing her to be dead, her attackers returned to the house. However, Suzanne managed to reach a roadside, where she received help. She was able to identify her assailants to the police before succumbing to her injuries four days later, on December 18.
Stephen Capper and Suzanne's childhood best friend, Samantha Dale, are launching a charity in Suzanne's memory named "Lost Voices" on what would have been her 50th birthday. They have also co-authored a book titled "The Lost Voice: Remembering Suzanne Capper."
Samantha Dale, who used to babysit for the Powells, introduced Suzanne to the family. She noted that Clifford Pook, Suzanne's on-off lover for two years, had made advances toward her before turning his attention to Suzanne. Dale expressed lingering guilt over an argument she had with Suzanne about Pook, which was likely their last conversation.
Suzanne Capper is remembered by her brother and friends as a kind, funny, and talented individual, contrary to some portrayals over the years. The charity and book aim to transform her tragic story into one of positive change and to highlight who she truly was.