Crossbow killer pleads GUILTY to murdering BBC star’s wife & two daughters in rampage – but denies raping tragic ex
A KILLER has pleaded guilty to murdering a BBC star’s family – but denied raping his tragic ex in a horror crossbow attack.
Carol Hunt, 61, Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were found dead at the family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, in July.
Louise’s ex Kyle Clifford was arrested following a manhunt but was unable to be interviewed while he was treated for an injury in hospital.
The 26-year-old appeared at Cambridge Crown Court today where he dramatically changed his plea on three counts of murder to guilty.
He also admitted false imprisonment after tying Louise up and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.
This relates to a 10-inch butcher’s knife and a crossbow.
Clifford denied raping Louise on July 9 – the same day the family were killed.
The false imprisonment charge states Clifford allegedly “assaulted and unlawfully and injuriously imprisoned Louise Hunt and detained her against her will”.
Clifford was remanded into custody ahead of a trial on the rape charge on March 3.
Police arrived at the home to find the front door open and Louise tied up, the court was previously told.
Her sister Hannah had been shot with a crossbow, while mum Carol was stabbed to death with a knife, it was said.
Brave Hannah called police and told officers she feared she was going to die after her sister and mum were attacked.
It is understood the BBC racing commentator John Hunt was informed of the tragedy as he returned from work at Lingfield Park.
A manhunt was launched for Clifford, with footage showing a man striding away from the scene clutching a large weapon.
Hertfordshire Police took the unusual step of naming and picturing Clifford, who served in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, as the search for the killer widened.
John and surviving daughter Amy previously released a statement saying their devastation “cannot be put into words”.
They added: “We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days.
“These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful.”
In a further statement read to Sky Sports Racing viewers by colleague Matt Chapman, John paid tribute to his “inspirational” surviving daughter.
He said: “Notwithstanding the horrid evil that’s swept through our lives, wreaking devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counter to that has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which are still to be read.
“Amy, my eldest daughter, has been magnificently inspirational with her control and support for me, which I am trying so hard to replicate.
“Every message has felt so important, the same as a reassuring hug.
“We know people are worried about us. We will get through this.”