Kyle Clifford: CCTV shows triple killer visiting garden centre on day of murders

Tragedy Strikes a Quiet Neighborhood: The Hunt Family Murders

In a shocking turn of events, a quiet residential neighborhood in Bushey, Hertfordshire, was thrown into chaos when a former soldier, Kyle Clifford, carried out a brutal attack on his ex-girlfriend, Louise Hunt, and her family. The 26-year-old, who has admitted to the murders, was captured on CCTV footage purchasing supplies and visiting a garden center with his family just hours before the horrific crime. Clifford’s actions on July 9, 2022, left the Hunt family—Louise, her mother Carol, and her sister Hannah—dead, and their father, BBC racing commentator John Hunt, grieving the unimaginable loss of his loved ones.

The Chilling Build-Up: Clifford’s Calculated Plan

In the days leading up to the murders, Clifford’s movements were meticulously documented by CCTV cameras, revealing a chilling prelude to the tragedy. Just days before the attack, Clifford was filmed shopping at a B&Q store on July 4, where he purchased silver duct tape—a tool he would later use to restrain Louise during the assault. On July 5, he was seen lifting weights at a gym, giving no indication of the horrors he was planning. The prosecution argued that Clifford’s actions were premeditated, triggered by Louise ending their relationship 13 days earlier. By July 9, the day of the murders, Clifford’s calm demeanor belied the monstrous intentions he harbored.

The Day of the Murders: A Family’s Last Moments Together

On the morning of July 9, Clifford was filmed at a garden center near his home in Enfield, North London, accompanied by his mother, father, and niece. The footage shows him pushing his niece in a buggy, presenting an image of normalcy that starkly contrasts with the violence he would unleash later that day. By 2:30 p.m., Clifford arrived at the Hunt family home, parking his car nearby before knocking on the door. A doorbell camera captured his exchange with Carol Hunt, who opened the door to find Clifford standing there with a bag of clothes and a "thank you" card—a ruse, prosecutors claim, to gain entry into the house.

The Brutal Attack: A Family Torn Apart

Once inside, Clifford’s demeanor shifted from calm to calculating. He retrieved a knife from his backpack and attacked Carol Hunt, leaving her lifeless. The violence escalated as Louise returned home from her dog grooming business, which she operated from a pod in the garden. Clifford subjected her to hours of terror, binding her with the duct tape he had purchased earlier. Hannah Hunt, Louise’s sister, arrived home shortly after, unaware of the horror unfolding inside. Clifford shot both sisters with a crossbow, a weapon he had hidden under a blanket when he re-entered the house. Hannah managed to call 999, pleading for help, but her voice was cut short as she collapsed and died shortly after emergency services arrived. Louise, too, succumbed to her injuries, leaving the Hunt family shattered beyond repair.

The Trial: A Grieving Family Seeks Justice

As the trial unfolded at Cambridge Crown Court, the emotional toll on the Hunt family was evident. John Hunt, who lost his wife and two daughters, watched from the public gallery as harrowing CCTV footage of the events was played. A woman in attendance was seen leaving the courtroom in tears after witnessing the doorbell camera footage of Clifford’s deceptive exchange with Carol Hunt. Clifford, who has denied a charge of raping Louise, chose not to attend his trial, leaving the court to grapple with the weight of his crimes. Detective Constable Alex Leckie and the prosecution painted a vivid picture of Clifford’s calculated actions, emphasizing the premeditation behind the attack.

Reflections on a Tragedy: When Love Turns Deadly

The Hunt family murders serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of toxic relationships and the fragility of life. Louise, a bright and ambitious young woman, had successfully built a business and was carving out a future for herself. Her mother, Carol, and sister, Hannah, were pillars of support in her life—a life that was cut short by a man she once trusted. The tragedy raises difficult questions about domestic violence, control, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed. As the community mourns the loss of three remarkable women, the case of Kyle Clifford serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.