Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford pleads guilty to killing BBC commentator's wife and daughters
Kyle Clifford, the man known as 'crossbow killer', appeared at Cambridge Crown Court today and changed his plea on three counts of murder to guilty.
Clifford, now 26, was arrested on suspicion of murdering three women, Carol Hunt and her daughters Hannah and Louise at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on 9 July, 2024.
Clifford was previously in a relationship with Louise, 25.
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The Brit was arrested following a manhunt, though he was not able to be interviewed as he was in hospital getting treated for a self-inflicted injury.
Appearing in court today, Clifford dramatically changed his plea of murder to guilty, while also admitting to false imprisonment after tying Louise up, and two counts of possession of offensive weapons with regards to a 10-inch butcher's knife and crossbow.
The charge regarding false imprisonment states that he allegedly 'assaulted and unlawfully and injuriously imprisoned Louise Hunt and detained her against her will'.
Police arrived at the home at around 7.10pm after Hannah called authorities, fearing that she would die after she was shot and her sister and mother were attacked.
She was found in the main doorway of the house with a crossbow bolt to the chest and was still alive, while the court was told that Louise was tied up with the front door wide open.
Carol was found with major stab wounds to the knee, hands, back and torso after the attack.
Following the manhunt, Clifford was eventually found injured in Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London.
He has been remanded into custody ahead of a further trial later this year for the charge of rape at the same court - a charge of which he has denied.
The three victims were the wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, who was told of the tragic event as he returned from work at Lingfield Park.
Releasing a joint statement with surviving daughter Amy, John said that their feelings 'cannot be put into words'.
“We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days," they stated.
"These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful."
He also said that his daughter was 'inspirational, adding: "Notwithstanding the horrid evil that's swept through our lives, wreaking devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counter to that has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which are still to be read.
"Amy, my eldest daughter, has been magnificently inspirational with her control and support for me, which I am trying so hard to replicate."
They concluded: "Every message has felt so important, the same as a reassuring hug. We know people are worried about us. We will get through this."
Joshua Nair