A British man, Kyle Clifford, has been convicted of the brutal murders of his former girlfriend, Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah, and their mother Carol, which occurred in July 2024. The tragic events unfolded at their residence in Hertfordshire, situated approximately 40 kilometres from London. Louise, aged 25, Hannah, 28, and Carol, 61, were the family of a prominent BBC radio sports commentator.
Clifford, 26, had previously confessed to the murders using a crossbow and a knife but denied claims of raping Louise. However, in a recent court judgement delivered at Cambridge Crown Court, he was found guilty of this additional heinous charge. Notably, he chose not to appear in court during the trial proceedings, which continued in his absence.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner remarked that the evidence against Clifford was overwhelming, labelling it an atrocious attack on a family. The jury learned that he had deceived Carol into letting him into the home under the guise of returning personal belongings before launching his violent assault, which included fatally stabbing her. At the time of the attack, Louise and some clients from her grooming business were unaware of the unfolding tragedy occurring right next to them in the family garden.
Clifford is said to have meticulously planned the killings, reportedly acting out of rage after Louise ended their tumultuous 18-month relationship. Prosecutors described the rape as a ‘violent, sexual act of spite’. Following the crimes, a manhunt was initiated to apprehend Clifford, who was later discovered injured in a cemetery, having inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound with the same crossbow used in the murders. He has since been left paralysed from the chest down and now resides in a wheelchair.
As the Hunt family had displayed remarkable strength throughout the proceedings, Clifford’s cowardice in avoiding court was noted by officials, indicating a failure to confront the ramifications of his actions. He is expected to receive his sentencing next week, leaving the community and the victims’ loved ones with a profound sense of sorrow and injustice.