Man charged with murdering parcel delivery driver in Leeds
Claudiu-Carol Kondor, 42, died after his van was stolen on Tuesday evening, police have said.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 32-year-old man has been charged with murdering a parcel delivery driver who died as he tried to stop his van being stolen in Leeds.
Mark Ross, of Conference Road, Armley, Leeds, will appear before magistrates in the city on Friday after he was charged in relation to the death of 42-year-old Claudiu-Carol Kondor, West Yorkshire Police said.
Mr Kondor was pronounced dead at the scene in Heights Drive, Wortley, on Tuesday evening after his silver Ford Transit Cargo van was stolen in Alliance Street while he was making a delivery.
The force said a 24-year-old man who was arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder remains in custody.
Eddie Hampshire, from Belle Isle, Leeds, was arrested following a public appeal.
A woman, who was arrested at the same time on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation.
Police were called at around 6.50pm on Tuesday and found Mr Kondor, from Sheffield, unconscious with members of the public trying to help him.
It is understood Mr Kondor was delivering packages for Amazon while working for a partner company.
Police said Mr Kondor had delivered a package to an address about half a mile away at around 6.45pm and had returned to find a man attempting to steal his van.
When he tried to stop the theft, the offender drove off at speed with Mr Kondor only partly in the passenger door.
The vehicle then hit two parked cars in Heights Drive and was driven away, leaving Mr Kondor injured in at the junction of Heights Way and Heights Bank.
Mr Kondor worked for SP Transport Group and the firm’s operations manager Mike Neill said on GoFundMe: “Claudiu was more than just a colleague — he was a friend, a confidant and a valued member of our team.
“His commitment to his work and the camaraderie he brought to the workplace will never be forgotten.
“The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond our workplace, affecting all who had the privilege of knowing Claudiu.”
The online fundraiser for Mr Kondor’s family, which had an initial target of £750, has so far raised more than £20,000.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.