Police appeal for ‘John Denver lookalike’ who stabbed man to death in public toilet

Police are appealing for information about a ‘John Denver lookalike’ suspected of stabbing a man to death in public toilets 43 years ago.

James ‘Jimmy’ Adams, 46, was left with 22 stab wounds after being cornered in the bathroom in Bradford, West Yorkshire on May 26, 1981.

Jimmy, a glass collector at the New Beehive Inn in the city centre, had walked to the toilets at the junction of Carlisle Road and Bavaria Place after finishing his shift at around 12.45am.

He was followed by a man who police believe was the killer, before locals heard screams from the toilets shortly after.

Witnesses saw the man run off, then found Jimmy seriously injured. He later died from his wounds in hospital.

Three witnesses confronted the suspect at a local business, the Malborough Garage, where he threatened to stab them before running off.

Those who saw the man later told police he looked like the American singer John Denver.

He was described as being between 25 and 35 years old and between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall.

Witnesses said he was of medium build, with dirty blonde, collar-length hair and was wearing glasses.

An artist’s impression was created at the time.

Detective Sergeant Richard, from West Yorkshire Police, said the force was looking for new leads on the cold case on the eve of Jimmy’s violent death.

He said: ‘West Yorkshire Police never files or closes undetected serious offences until they are solved.

‘We are reviewing this case and hoping a re-appeal on the anniversary of the murder, it might jog people’s memories.

‘We appreciate it is a long time ago, but any information however small could be the line of enquiry that we need to identify this man.

‘Our focus remains on James and his family and seeking justice for them, no matter how long ago.’

Anyone with information should contact the Major Incident Review Team via 101 or use the live chat options at westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting crime reference 13100110891

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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