Kyle Clifford, who is accused of murdering a BBC racing commentator’s wife and daughters, is reportedly paralyzed and may never walk again after shooting himself with a crossbow and severing his spinal cord. This development follows the brutal deaths of Clifford’s ex-girlfriend, Louise Hunt, 25, her sister, Hannah, 28, and her mother, Carol Hunt, 61, at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Crossbow Killer Went After Ex-Girlfriend
The Guardian reported that on the evening of Tuesday 9 July, Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of the BBC 5 Live commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were found fatally injured in their home, having been shot with a crossbow. CCTV footage captured Kyle Clifford leaving the Hunt residence with the crossbow wrapped in a white sheet. He has since become known as the ‘crossbow killer.’
Clifford allegedly exercised a manipulative and controlling grip over his ex-girlfriend, Louise, for six months before the horrifying triple murder. His actions included dictating her social activities, controlling what she could wear, and limiting her interactions with male friends. These behaviors are classic signs of coercive control, where the abuser seeks to undermine the victim’s autonomy and self-worth.
Coercive control can sometimes lead to more violent acts, and even murder, as seen in this tragic case. Findings from the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team revealed that between 2000 and 2018, 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicides were preceded by the perpetrator using coercive control towards the victim
Clifford’s Attempted Suicide
After the murders, Clifford was discovered in a cemetery in Enfield, North London, with serious injuries. According to the Manchester Evening News, Clifford shot himself with a crossbow bolt, which may have severed his spinal cord. He was found unconscious by armed police and airlifted to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. Medical experts have indicated that he is likely to be permanently paralyzed, a consequence of his desperate actions to avoid arrest.
Although he is now under police guard, Clifford has not been interrogated due to his condition. Hertfordshire Police have confirmed that the Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the murders but have refrained from commenting on Clifford’s medical state.
The Triple Murder and Community Impact
John Hunt, the BBC commentator and husband to Carol, has expressed the profound devastation caused by the loss of his family. He described the situation as a “horrid evil that’s swept through our lives” and praised his surviving daughter, Amy, for her strength and support during this trying time.
The community has been deeply affected by the loss of the Hunt family, mourning the deaths of three beloved individuals and grappling with the impact of the tragedy.
Featured image: Hannah Hunt, Louise Hunt, and Carol Hunter. Source: Facebook.
