Updated: Man charged with murder over Amazon delivery driver's death

A man is due to appear in court charged with murder over the death of an Amazon delivery driver in Leeds on Tuesday (August 20).

Mark Ross, aged 32, of Conference Road, Armley, has been charged in relation to the death of 42-year-old Claudiu-Carol Kondor (pictured above).

Ross is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court today (Friday, August 23).

Eddie Hampshire, aged 24, from Belle Isle, Leeds, who was arrested on Thursday (August 22), on suspicion of murder, remains in custody.

A woman, who was arrested at the same time on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation.

Kondor was found seriously injured in Heights Drive, Wortley, just before 7pm on Tuesday (August 20).

Officers attending the scene found the 42-year-old unconscious with members of the public trying to help him.

He was given emergency treatment by ambulance staff but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Initial police enquiries suggest that he had made a delivery to an address about half a mile away in Alliance Street at around 6.45pm and had returned to his van to find a male attempting to steal it.

When he tried to stop them, they drove off at speed with the victim only partly in the passenger door of the vehicle.

“This unimaginable loss has left us all devastated,” Mike Neill, SP Transport Group

The van, a plain silver Ford Transit Cargo (pictured below), was then in collision with two parked cars in Heights Drive and was driven away leaving the victim injured in the street, between the junctions of Heights Way and Heights Bank.

As a result of enquiries, the van was recovered in Highlands Walk, Belle Isle, some six miles away a short time later.

Amazon confirmed that Kondor, who is from Sheffield, had been contracted to deliver parcels for the company.

A spokesperson said: “This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver's loved ones, family and colleagues at our delivery service provider.

“We will do all we can to assist police with their investigations.”

An online fundraiser has been set up for Kondor's family by Mike Neill, operations manager at SP Transport Group, where Kondor worked. So far, it has raised more than £23,000.

Neill wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the loss of our beloved colleague, Claudiu-Carol Kondor. Claudiu was a dedicated and cherished member of the SP Transport Group family, who tragically lost his life on August 20, 2024, during a struggle that occurred in the midst of a van theft.

“This unimaginable loss has left us all devastated.”

He continued: “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.

“We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to support Claudiu's family during this incredibly difficult time. Our goal is to alleviate some of the financial burdens they are facing, including funeral costs, legal expenses, and any other unforeseen challenges that may arise.

“While no amount of money can fill the void left by Claudiu’s passing, we hope to provide some comfort and support to his loved ones.

“We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone, and we are grateful for any contribution you can make, no matter the size. Every donation will go directly to Claudiu’s family to help them navigate the difficult days ahead.

“Please consider donating to honour Claudiu’s memory and to support his family during this heartbreaking time. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world to us.

“Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.”

Anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 quoting Operation Proscombe or crime reference 13240455080 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat.

Information, including footage, can be provided through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/13XM020119P03-PO1.