A man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend, her sister, and their mother was motivated by rage over the breakup, according to court testimonies presented during his trial. Kyle Clifford, 26, is facing charges related to the brutal killings, which he committed on July 9, 2024, after Louise Hunt, 25, ended their tumultuous 18-month relationship. The trial is currently underway at Cambridge Crown Court, where alarming details of the incident have been revealed.
Clifford has already admitted to murdering Louise, her mother Carol, aged 61, and her sister Hannah, aged 28. Prosecutors have described the crimes as calculated and vicious. They state Clifford, armed with both a crossbow and knife, carried out the attacks after deceiving Carol Hunt to gain access to the family home.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC opened the trial by detailing the nature of the assaults, claiming Clifford raped Louise during what was described as "a violent, sexual act of spite" before murdering her. Clifford pleads denial of the rape charge, stating any sexual encounter with Louise occurred consensually 16 days earlier, on June 23.
Evidence presented during the trial suggests Clifford had been seething after the breakup. Witnesses spoke to the disgruntled nature he exhibited—claiming he became "angry" when Louise sought distance and space to protect her mental health. Messages exchanged between the couple highlighted Clifford’s emotional turmoil, as he expressed undeniable desperation over the dissolution of the relationship.
Following their breakup, Clifford sought means to rekindle the relationship; efforts which were continuously rebuffed by Louise. This psychological battle fueled what prosecutors have alleged was violent planning for the fateful day. Morgan asserted, "The rejection angered the defendant. He was angry at Louise, but also at the Hunt family..."
The course of events on the evening of July 9 unfolded rapidly. After Clifford deceived Carol, who unwittingly welcomed him inside, he brutally murdered her with the knife. Louise had been working outside, caring for dogs at her grooming business, completely unaware of the violent act occurring within her home.
After killing Carol, the prosecution claims Clifford lay waiting for Louise to return. Audio recordings captured the horrific moments leading up to the subsequent murders. When Louise entered the house, she was reportedly immediately restrained and gagged. Morgan described horrifying evidence found during the trial: "Louise’s underwear was found in such an odd position, consistent with being put back on her after sexual assault".
Tragically, Hannah returned home shortly after, only to walk unknowingly toward her death. Clifford shot her with the same crossbow he had used just moments prior on her sister. Desperate, Hannah texted her partner to call the police, crying for help as she discovered the scene of horror—a chilling recording of her last moments.
One excruciated sound caught on audio was shot before she was fatally harmed. Her boyfriend received urgent texts stating, "He's tying us up! Call the police now!" A horrific timeline later revealed how these three lives were extinguished within mere hours, with horrendous violence hidden behind the façade of domesticity.
Clifford was later found gravely injured from self-inflicted wounds after attempting to take his life with the very weapon used to commit the murders. He now sits trial from his hospital bed, paralyzed from the waist down.
The needless slaughter was detailed through the recounting of messages sent between Clifford and Louise. He had shown signs of aggression and unpredictability throughout their relationship, with family members expressing concerns over his temperament. Louise had whispered these fears to those close to her, stating, "I feel like you have a lot of pent-up frustration toward me".
Adding depth to Louise's character, friends and family described the young woman as "caring, positive, and happy," contrasting starkly with her relationship with Clifford. The jury was exposed to how Louise attempted to justify the painful decision to break things off, crafting detailed notes on her phone titled "When you're sad, look!" which listed reasons for having ended the relationship, including observations about his offensive behavior and concerning views.
The case showcases not only the deep sinister depths some relationships may travel but also the irreparable consequences stemming from domestic violence. Prosecutors reiterate—this was no random act of insanity but rather the culmination of violence bred from rejection and resentment. The chilling details of Kyle Clifford's actions serve as stark reminders of the urgency surrounding domestic violence prevention and support.
With the trial set to continue, jurors will have to decide on this chilling issue: did Clifford commit the crimes as alleged, or can the defense successfully challenge the prosecution’s assertions? With evidence as harrowing as what’s been presented, the jury deliberates under the shadow of lives lost too soon.