AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
It took the murder of four men—three of whom were homosexuals—and the attempted murder of three others before Michele Lupo was identified by a survivor during an undercover operation. Lupo readily confessed to the crimes, yet it was his connections within showbiz and high society along with his AIDS diagnosis that drew the most attention from the media.
In recent years, the narrative has been further complicated by various entertainers—drag queens, comedians, and podcasters—who have sensationalised and glamorised Lupo's crimes, often perpetuating erroneous claims about the events. This lack of diligent research not only distorts the historical reality but also overshadows the lives of the victims and the true horror of these sensless crimes.
'Murder Squad' serves as a compelling chronicle that extends the narrative established by the ITV documentary series from the early 1990s. Authored by Tim Tate and Ray Wyre, the book offers an unprecedented glimpse into the police files concerning various high-profile cases, most notably the harrowing case of Michele Lupo.
Through meticulous detailing of the murders and the complex interactions of the individuals involved, Tate and Wyre unravel the tragic events that unfolded. The text is enriched by statements from survivors and insights from Lupo himself, presenting a multifaceted view of the circumstances surrounding these crimes. However, due to the inaccessibility of 15 police archive boxes—restricted by the time and cost of redacting sensitive material—this book represents our closest opportunity to engage with the factual evidence. It helps to clarify and debunk numerous claims perpetuated by bloggers, podcasts, and amateur sleuths, ensuring a more informed understanding of these chilling events.
Michele del Marco Lupo was born on 19th January 1953 in the quaint village of Monte Donato, Bologna, Italy. Lupo, was a regular at the village church where priest Don Felice Cavalli said Lupo showed much promise as a choirboy and was said to be the son of a bricklayer.
Church at Monte Donato, Bologna.
His educational path began at the Leonardo Da Vinci secondary school in Bologna, where he studied until the age of 16. During the years 1969 to 1971, he engaged in a correspondence course focused on languages and briefly explored art, marking the only known highlights of his early life.
In 1971, at the age of 18, Lupo's life took a significant turn when he was drafted into the Bersaglieri 22nd Unit, fulfilling his national service obligation over the next two years. Upon his release from service in June 1974, Lupo arrived at Heathrow Airport, commencing a new chapter in London. Aside from intermittent excursions into the vibrant gay club scene of Amsterdam and Paris, he established himself by first taking a position as a hairdresser at Aldo Bruno on Motcombe Street, Belgravia. This role would occupy him for three years.
HOME: Roland Gardens 1987
In 1977, Lupo vanished without a trace, re-emerging in 1980 in a dramatically different context. He transitioned into the world of haute couture, securing a position with Yves St Laurent from March 1980 to March 1984. Starting as a sales assistant at their Brompton Road headquarters, Lupo's adeptness ultimately led him to the role of branch manager. It was within these refined surroundings that he began to forge relationships with London's affluent socialites. The companies Managing Director, Lady Rendleshem said of Lupo “He was an excellent salesman and very much liked by everyone whom he served”. He then went on to run the Tan Guidicelli Boutique earning £14,000 pa for 18 months and those that knew Lupo said he was a natural “charmer”. He then ended up at Stravganza on Oxford Street as a sales assistant earning £12,000 pa but had lost his job and was unemployed at the time of his arrest.
Lupo had told detectives that he had chosen to come to the United Kingdom to be free both artistically and sexually [homosexaul]. Hairdresser, David Mercer, 22 knew Lupo through the YSL store and said “he tried it on with me, but once I let him know i was not like that [gay], he was straight with me”.
As a former commando turned stylist, Lupo became a prominent figure among the London glitterati. Now, at the time of his arrest Lupo was living at a flat in Sydney Mews, Chelsea. The flat was owned by Sir Kenneth Adam who was a prominent film production designer and had worked on seven James Bond films in the 1960s and 1970s. One of Lupo’s ex’s told the tabloids that Lupo was treated by Kenneth and his wife like a son and therefore allowed Lupo to live in the flat at a very favourable rent.
Lupo, in his youth, possessed a striking charm that often drew attention. His radiant smile, however, was marked by an abundance of teeth, giving him a somewhat "toothy" appearance that some found endearing while others regarded it with ambivalence.
As the years unfolded, the vitality that once characterised Lupo's features began to diminish, revealing the toll of time and circumstance no doubt accelerated by his then unknown AIDS diagnosis. With striking good looks that had captivated admirers, he had always been the centre of attention, yet beneath the surface lay the traits of a narcissist. His ex-lovers recounted how, despite only being in his early thirties, Lupo fixated on the signs of ageing, fretting over every wrinkle, blemish and the noticeable pockmarks on his face as if they were an indictment of his worth.
Lupo died in Frankland Prison on 12th February 1995.
PROBATE: '“not exceeding” may indicate a property to be sold
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Brixton Police Station
The timing of Michele Lupo's HIV diagnosis has become a pivotal point of misinformation perpetuated by numerous bloggers and podcasters attempting to recount the crimes surrounding him. Contrary to widely circulated claims that Lupo was informed of his HIV-positive status two weeks before his murder trial, the reality is that he only learned of his condition while in police custody, amidst an investigation into his crimes.
By 1986, the necessity for mandatory HIV testing in custody and on remand in UK prisons was becoming apparent due to the AIDS epidemic, which heightened concern among authorities. While detectives proposed a theory that Lupo might have been aware of his HIV/AIDS status as early as October 1985 and a motive for murder. This was only based on observations from acquaintances who noted changes in Lupo’s behaviour around October 1985. Subsequent investigations found no evidence to substantiate this hypothesis. Importantly, Lupo himself maintained that he did not know he was HIV positive until he was formally tested in custody, further discrediting the speculation surrounding his diagnosis.
While the word of a criminal should always be viewed with caution, Lupo, who made no attempt to hide the detail of his trail of murder, and was unusually upfront and honest, unsettling detectives with his directness. At the height of the AIDS pandemic in 1986, a period marked by fear and uncertainty, Lupo had ample opportunity to exploit an AIDS diagnosis to sensationalise his crimes, yet he refrained. His undeniable promiscuity and involvement as an escort hinted at a possible awareness of his health risks, raising questions about whether he suspected he might have contracted the virus. The widespread fear among many gay men, particularly the promiscuous, often resulted in a refusal to test for “AIDS”, as many gay men recounted the possibility of a positive diagnosis was literally a death sentence.
“He [Lupo] was very promiscuous and his sexual appetite was a large one. He picked up the minimum of one guy a night and if he went to a night club he might have four or five a night. He liked S&M games, but I never saw him use, or suggest, any form of violence other than light sadomasochism”.
Evening Standard - 10 July 1987
We are still working on Stephen’s background as we have had issues identifying him in the official records.
However, it is known that he resided on the UK’s first AIDS ward, the Broderip Ward at London’s Middlesex Hospital, from 1987. During his time there, he was photographed by Gideon Mendel.
As we shared in the episode, Stephen spoke to the press when Lupo was apprehended, revealing he had been an ex-lover of Michele’s for over a year. Stephen’s comments regarding Lupo’s past seemed more plausible as motivations behind Lupo’s crimes than the narratives promoted by investigating officers.
Stephen’s diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in the eithgties, coupled with his connection to Lupo, kept him in the media spotlight, particularly highlighted by a February 1988 article in The People concerning allegations against a female colleague regarding inappropriate behaviour while they worked in children services. While Stephen refuted the allegations made against him, the article and its events starkly illustrate the stigma surrounding his HIV diagnosis and his past relationship with Michele Lupo.
Guy de Munthe, hailing from a wealthy and prominent family, played the role of “official walker” for HRH Princess Margaret, yet his presence in historical archives remains surprisingly elusive.
As highlighted in various press articles, he was often described as an eccentric figure, known for his unconventional antics that included busking in Chelsea accompanied by a parrot, and making striking entrances at social gatherings by arriving in a coffin, dressed as a nun and dining out with the Princess wearing an eye patch.
This unorthodox behaviour, while vividly captured in anecdotal accounts, leaves one pondering the complexities of a man whose life intertwined with the upper echelons of society yet thrived in the realms of the extraordinary.
“Quite simply he was the most useful, caring, intelligent member of society. He made a great many friends and was very popular with lots of people. He was charming and spoke three or four languages and determined to get on. He did so because he was always kind to people. He was a good and loyal friend.”
SUNDAY MIRROR: 16th Nov 1986
Guy's relationship with Michele Lupo presents a complex interplay of affection, loyalty, and the darker threads of human behaviour. Their two-year romance, which culminated in a split, undoubtedly influenced Lupo’s psychological state. The feelings of abandonment or betrayal that can accompany such a separation might have contributed to his later actions, as Lupo told police felt “abused.”
The notion of Guy maintaining a friendship with Lupo, particularly in the wake of Lupo's confessions to murdering four men, raises significant questions about loyalty and morality. In the podcast episode we raised the theory that Lupo might threaten to divulge intimate details regarding Guy's high-society connections, including his acquaintance with the Princess, adding a layer of tension to their relationship. But we should perhaps, also consider, the media frenzy surrounding reports of Guy visiting a serial killer in prison served to amplify the eccentricity of his character.
In 1992, at the age of 44, Guy's passed away in the comfort of his own home. Guy's legacy lives on through a memorial plaque displayed in Southwark Cathedral.
PROBATE: Guy’s probate as of Oct 2024 the equivalent of £241,375 [Bank of england]
DCS John Shoemake
DC Peter Elcock
From Left: DC Toomer, DS Dorrington, DC Knight, DS Townsend, & DS Gregory
The police team investigating Michele Lupo certainly faced significant challenges throughout their inquiry. While some of their earlier theories, particularly those centring on homosexual practices like the so-called "pet shop sex," were met with criticism, it is essential to acknowledge their eventual success in securing Lupo’s conviction.
1993: Shoemake reflects on the case
However, a critical examination reveals that until David Cole came forward with crucial information, the police had not established a connection between the murders of the men involved. It took considerable time for the investigation to refocus, ultimately leading to the pivotal moment when DS Townsend and DS Gregory arrested Lupo at the Prince of Wales pub in Brixton on 16 May 1986. This reflects both the difficulties inherent in the case and the importance of collaboration in bringing a suspect to justice.
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