The tranquil life of the Hunt family was shattered in July 2024 when a horrific triple murder claimed the lives of Carol Hunt, 61, and her two daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25. The perpetrator, 26-year-old Kyle Clifford, has pleaded guilty to their murders, admitting to a brutal attack that involved shooting the daughters with a crossbow and stabbing their mother multiple times with a butcher knife. Clifford has also admitted to falsely imprisoning Louise and possessing the crossbow and knife used in the attacks. However, he has pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of raping Louise, a charge which will be addressed in a later trial. The horrific events unfolded within the family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, where all three victims were found bound and gagged.
The initial investigation revealed the extent of Clifford’s violence. Hannah Hunt managed to make a harrowing 999 call before succumbing to her injuries. In the call, she described the attack, stating that the intruder had shot her, her mother, and her sister. The call abruptly ended but Hannah managed to reconnect briefly, calling for an ambulance before the connection was lost again. Responding officers discovered a gruesome scene: Hannah lying in the doorway with a crossbow bolt wound to the chest, Louise tied up with a similar crossbow injury, and their mother Carol with multiple stab wounds inflicted by a knife. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the scene, all three women tragically died. The brutal nature of the crime shocked the community and sparked a manhunt for the perpetrator.
Clifford was apprehended the following day in Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield, London, not far from his residence. He was found injured, having apparently shot himself in the chest with the crossbow. The capture brought some closure to the immediate crisis, but the investigation continued as authorities pieced together the events leading up to the tragedy. The motive for the attack remained unclear, adding to the profound grief and shock experienced by the surviving family members.
John Hunt, husband of Carol and father of Hannah, Louise, and surviving daughter Amy, is a well-known BBC horse racing commentator. He returned to work in September 2024, a testament to his resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. In a poignant statement, he described the murders as a “horrid evil” that had devastated their lives. He also commended his surviving daughter Amy for her “magnificently inspirational” response to the tragedy. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and kind messages received in the aftermath of the murders, acknowledging the comfort they provided during an incredibly difficult time. A GoFundMe page established to support the grieving family raised over £120,000, a testament to the community’s sympathy and desire to help the Hunts navigate their immense loss.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women, a societal problem that the Metro newspaper is actively addressing through its “This Is Not Right” campaign. Launched in November 2024, the year-long campaign aims to shed light on the epidemic of violence against women and empower readers to engage with the issue. The campaign partners with Women’s Aid to provide resources and support to those affected by violence. Metro encourages individuals to share their stories and contribute to the ongoing conversation about this critical issue.
The legal proceedings against Kyle Clifford are ongoing. While he has pleaded guilty to the murders and other related charges, the charge of raping Louise Hunt remains contested. A trial focusing on this specific charge will take place later in the year, during which the prosecution will present evidence and arguments to establish Clifford’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The outcome of this trial will further determine the consequences Clifford will face for his horrific actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the importance of continuing efforts to address this pervasive societal problem.
