Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford’s chilling final texts to ex present true degree of depravity
The family of the three women murdered by Kyle Clifford told the killer he would suffer a ‘miserable fate’ for eternity after his final messages to his ex-girlfriend reveal the true extent of his depravity
The extent of crossbow killer Kyle Clifford’s depravity was laid bare in chilling texts he sent to his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt before massacring her and her family.
The triple murderer – who will spend the rest of his life in prison – killed Louise, 25, after she broke up with him due to his controlling behaviour.
He blagged his way into their family home and stabbed Louise’s mum Carol, 61, to death with a butcher’s knife before ambushing Louise with a crossbow, tying her up and raping her in a terrifying five-hour ordeal.
When Louise’s sister Hannah, 28 arrived at the house later, she too was fatally wounded by the crossbow after Clifford shot her.
Clifford, 26, was handed three whole-life jail terms at Cambridge Crown Court for the brutal murders, meaning he will die in prison for his crimes.
The court heard in horrific detail how Clifford tortured the Hunt family over a five-hour period at their home in Bushey, Herts., on July 9, 2024.
Clifford sent a text to Louise’s dad, BBC racing commentator John Hunt, as his wife and two daughters lay dead or dying at the family home, pretending to be Louise. He asked: “What time are you home?”.
Mr Hunt, totally oblivious that his family had been brutally murdered at the hands of Clifford, replied: “Late, I’m afraid. Everything okay, sweetness?”
Evil Clifford then continued the act and asked about plans for an upcoming event, responding: “Just want to check – the races on Saturday start a little later than usual. I think it’s 4.30pm-7.30pm. Then there’s a famous DJ after racing. Is that sounding okay?”.
Clifford had planned to commit suicide following the murder, but ended up paralysed from the chest down after shooting himself with the crossbow.
Brave John – who returned to work to cover the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday – had been in court on Tuesday to deliver an emotional and powerful statement.
He told the court “how gracious Louise was” to Clifford in her final text him in which she said thanked him for what was a wonderful year together and explained how much she once loved him.
She told him never wanted any animosity to develop between the pair and that she wanted Clifford to take care of himself, Mr Hunt said.
He added: “You texted back saying: ‘Thank you for the clarity Louise, so we can both start our healing process. I love you so much and I will for a very long time. I will always be here for you if you ever need me, please don’t hesitate. I wish you all the best and take care of yourself too.’
“The difference was, we know now, that Louise meant every word, whereas you simply lied.”
He told Clifford, who refused to attend the hearing: “I so wished to deliver these words eye to eye Kyle and I’ll continue to do so as if I was doing that. The screams of hell, Kyle. I can hear them faintly now. They’re going to roll the red carpet out for you.'”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here .
