Kyle Clifford pleads not guilty to murders of John Hunt's daughters and wife as he's charged with rape
Kyle Clifford pleads not guilty to murders of John Hunt's daughters and wife as he's charged with rape

Kyle Clifford, a 26-year-old former British Army soldier, stands accused of the brutal murders of Carol Hunt and her two daughters, Hannah and Louise, in Bushey, Hertfordshire. The incident, which occurred on July 9, 2024, has garnered significant media attention due to the horrific nature of the crimes and the prominence of the victims' family.

Background of Kyle Clifford

Born in April 1998 in Enfield, North London, Kyle Clifford is the third of four siblings. He enlisted in the British Army in 2019, serving with the Queen's Dragoon Guards. During his military tenure, Clifford was described by a former army colleague as "immature for his age" and someone who "struggled to grasp basic military concepts." Despite these challenges, he completed his basic training but left the army in 2022. Following his military service, Clifford briefly worked for a fire and security installation firm, Amthal, based in St Albans, from February to July 2023.

Clifford's family has a troubling history with the law. His elder brother, Bradley Clifford, was convicted in 2018 for the murders of two teenagers, Soban Khan and Jahshua Francis, after a violent confrontation in Enfield. Bradley is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years.

The Incident

On July 9, 2024, emergency services were called to the Hunt family residence in Bushey, Hertfordshire, following reports of a violent attack. Upon arrival, they discovered Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, with severe injuries. Despite the efforts of paramedics, all three women were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigations revealed that Carol Hunt had suffered multiple stab wounds, while Hannah and Louise had been shot with a crossbow. Hannah managed to contact emergency services during the attack, expressing fears for her life before the call was abruptly cut off. The brutality of the murders shocked the local community and the nation at large.

Relationship with the Victims

Clifford was known to the Hunt family, primarily through his relationship with Louise Hunt. The two had been in a romantic relationship, which had recently ended prior to the tragic events. Reports suggest that the breakup was tumultuous, leaving Louise distressed. This connection placed Clifford as the prime suspect in the immediate aftermath of the murders.

Manhunt and Arrest

Following the discovery of the victims, a nationwide manhunt was launched to apprehend Clifford. Authorities warned the public that he was considered armed and dangerous, possibly in possession of a crossbow. The search culminated on July 10, 2024, when Clifford was found injured in Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, North London. He was arrested and taken to the Royal London Hospital for treatment of self-inflicted injuries.

Legal Proceedings

Clifford has been charged with multiple offenses, including:

  • Three counts of murder in relation to Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt.

  • One count of rape concerning Louise Hunt on July 9, 2024.

  • Two counts of possession of offensive weapons, specifically a 10-inch butcher's knife and a compound crossbow.

  • One count of false imprisonment of Louise Hunt.

During a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on December 19, 2024, Clifford pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder, possession of offensive weapons, and false imprisonment. He has not yet entered a plea regarding the rape charge. The trial is scheduled to commence on March 3, 2025.

Impact on the Hunt Family

The Hunt family has been left devastated by the tragic loss of Carol, Hannah, and Louise. John Hunt, a well-known BBC Radio 5 Live racing commentator, and his surviving daughter, Amy, have expressed their profound grief. In a statement, they said: "The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words." They have received an outpouring of support from the community and colleagues, which has provided some comfort during this incredibly difficult time.

Community Response and Legal Implications

The brutal nature of the murders has prompted discussions about the legality and regulation of crossbows in the United Kingdom. Currently, crossbows can be owned without a license, leading to calls for stricter controls to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Home Office has indicated that it is reviewing evidence to determine if legislative changes are necessary.

Conclusion

The case of Kyle Clifford is a tragic example of domestic violence escalating to a fatal outcome. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and providing support to the grieving family. The trial set for March 2025 is expected to shed more light on the circumstances leading up to the horrific events of July 9, 2024.

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