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Violent death of 20-year-old Agoura Woman being investigated in London

By Lori Porter
Acorn Staff Writer

The Kaplan family of Agoura Hills is dealing with the unbearable sadness following the news of the violent death of their 20-year-old daughter, Alyson Ilene Kaplan, while she was vacationing in London.

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 was not 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 police, reporting Kaplan as missing.

Kaplan’s body was found in a hotel room in Pimlico, a suburb of London, by a hotel housekeeper on Friday, Jan 31. The housekeeper contacted social services right away.

According to Detective Constable, Steve Holman of London, the transient, identified as Robert Noble, a 28-year-old Caucasian from Scotland turned himself into a police station in Brighton within a couple days after Kaplan’s body was discovered.

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

Detective Constable Holman said that though forensic tests and results are still pending, it appears Kaplan died by strangulation.

Because the murder is still under investigation, further details are not being released at this time. The investigation is being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Services Serious Crime Group located in North London.

Steve Bennett, a spokesperson 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 too 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. 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 you 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 web-site for any further inquiries and for the purpose of updates, such as when and where Alyson’s memorial service will be held. www.alysonkaplan.com.