Wife of BBC racing commentator John Hunt died of stab wounds while his two daughters were found with fatal crossbow bolt injuries, inquest hears
An inquest has heard that the wife of BBC racing commentator John Hunt died from stab wounds, while his two daughters suffered fatal injuries from crossbow bolts.
Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, were fatally injured at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on July 9.
After a major manhunt, Louise’s ex-boyfriend Kyle Clifford, 26, was arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder.
Police have not yet been able to question the suspect in the triple murder, as he remains in hospital with self-inflicted injuries.
Hertfordshire Crown Court recalled the events of that tragic day and heard how police had received a call transfer from the Metropolitan Police, informing them of the incident.
Carol Hunt, pictured right, was the wife of BBC Radio Five Live racing commentator John Hunt, left. Carol and her two daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were found fatally injured at the house in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, on July 9
Louise Hunt, pictured, was murdered along with her mother Carol and sister Hannah
Hannah Hunt, pictured, was also murdered at the family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire
A citizen had called the police and told the operators that they had received a text message from Hannah telling them to call the police because she, her mother and sister were tied up.
Hannah then called 999 herself at 6.58pm, telling emergency services that she, her mother and sister had been shot. She told police the name of the person responsible and asked for an ambulance, the inquest heard.
Upon arrival, emergency services found Hannah still alive in the doorway, “shot through her chest with a crossbow bolt” that was still lodged in her chest.
When they went into the adjoining room, Carol and Louise were found with injuries. Both were dead on arrival, the court heard.
The women’s bodies were identified at Princess Alexandra Hospital on July 11. An autopsy revealed that Carol had died from stab wounds.
The judicial investigation revealed that the two daughters died from a type 1a chest wound.
Investigators are waiting until medical personnel confirm that Kyle Clifford is well enough to talk before they can question him
This morning, Chief Coroner Geoffery Sullivan concluded the investigations until the criminal proceedings are completed.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed this morning that there are no updates in the case as Clifford remains in hospital receiving treatment while under arrest.
Investigators will have to wait until medical staff decides the triple murder suspect has recovered enough to investigate the triple murder further.
A major manhunt for Clifford was launched on July 9 after the bodies of the three women were found in their home on Ashlyn Close.
Just under 24 hours later he was found with suspected self-inflicted injuries in Lavender Hills Cemetery, near the Hilly Fields area of Enfield, north London – close to where he lived.
The former soldier and guard was rushed to hospital after allegedly shooting himself with a crossbow bolt.
The time limit in which officers can question Clifford will only be shortened once they begin formally questioning him.
Since the tragic deaths of the three women, tributes and messages of support have poured in for Mr Hunt and his eldest and only surviving daughter Amy.
Mr Hunt and Amy previously paid tribute to the three victims, saying: “Words cannot express the devastation we are experiencing.
‘We would like to thank the people for their kind messages and for the support we have received over the past few days. These have given us a lot of comfort, for which we are very grateful.
‘As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for us. We need time and space to process what has happened and to begin the grieving process.
‘While this is happening, we would like to ask that our privacy and that of our wider family and associates is respected at this time. Thank you.’
Friends and family members laid flowers at the house where the three women were murdered
In a further statement, read out to Sky Sports Racing viewers by his colleague Matt Chapman, Hunt paid tribute to his “utterly inspiring” surviving daughter.
He said: ‘Despite the horrific evil that rages through our lives, causing devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counterbalance has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which can still be read today.
‘Amy, my oldest daughter, has been a huge inspiration with her control and support for me, and I try to emulate that as much as I can.
“Every message felt so important, like a reassuring hug. We know people are worried about us. We will get through this.”
Mr Chapman added that a fundraising campaign for Mr Hunt and his family – which has raised more than £100,000 – will go to Amy.
Photos of the victims were included among the floral tributes left at the scene of the murders
Clifford was found with serious injuries at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, North London. An armed police officer is pictured patrolling the cemetery on Wednesday 10 July
The three women were further honoured at a vigil for the Hunt family, held by friends and loved ones at St James’ Church in Bushey.
Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a “beautiful person”.
She said: ‘This is the stuff nightmares are made of. They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls.
“They were busy living their lives and their lives were taken too soon. It’s the stuff of nightmares. I feel for their oldest daughter and John (Hunt). I can’t imagine what it would be like.”
After being joined by two other close friends, Dionne Smith, 58, and Abigail Phillips, 58, the trio told reporters, “There were four of us, and now there are only three. It doesn’t seem real. We’re grieving together.”
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Hall, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Squad, said at the time: ‘Our thoughts are with the families of the victims at this tragic time.
“The investigation is progressing steadily and as a result we have now arrested a man. The investigation is still ongoing at this time.”