Kyle Clifford, 26, has pleaded guilty to the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend, her sister, and their mother in a horrific crossbow attack in Bushey, Hertfordshire, last July.
The victims—Louise Hunt, 25, her sister Hannah, 28, and their mother Carol Hunt, 61—were attacked at their family home on Ashlyn Close in what prosecutors described as a “deliberate and premeditated act.”
Details of the Attack
Clifford, a former military serviceman, tied Louise Hunt’s arms and ankles with duct tape before fatally shooting her in the chest with a crossbow. He then attacked her sister Hannah, who was found alive at the scene with a crossbow bolt in her chest but later died from her injuries. Carol Hunt sustained multiple stab wounds during the frenzied attack.
Police were alerted after Hannah managed to call 999, telling officers she had been shot and feared for her life. Clifford fled the scene but was later found injured in Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, having attempted to take his own life by shooting himself with the crossbow.
Court Proceedings
Appearing via video link at Cambridge Crown Court, Clifford admitted three counts of murder, one count of false imprisonment, and two counts of possession of offensive weapons, including the crossbow and a knife. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of raping Louise Hunt, which will be addressed in a separate trial later this year.
Clifford has been remanded in custody while awaiting sentencing.
Family Devastation
The tragedy has left BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his surviving daughter, Amy, grieving an unimaginable loss. In a statement, Mr. Hunt expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received:
“The devastation we are experiencing cannot be put into words. Amy has been magnificently inspirational, and we are trying to find strength in the love and kindness extended to us during this dark time.”
Calls for Crossbow Regulation
The case has reignited discussions about the regulation of crossbows in the UK. Currently, there is no licensing system for owning a crossbow, and they remain easily accessible online. The Home Office has confirmed that a review into crossbow laws is ongoing.
Community Impact
The murders have sent shockwaves through the Bushey community, prompting widespread tributes and support for the grieving family. The trial has also sparked conversations about domestic violence and the need for stricter controls on dangerous weapons.
For now, the Hunts are focusing on healing, supported by the messages of compassion from friends, family, and the broader community.
