Donald Neilson (1 August 1936 -- 18 December 2011), known as "The "Black Panther", was a British multiple murderer and armed robber. Following three murders committed during robberies of sub-post offices from 1971 to 1974, his last victim was Lesley Whittle, an heiress from Highley, Shropshire, England, in early 1975. He was arrested later that year and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1976, remaining in prison until his death 35 years later.