The quiet town of Bushey in Hertfordshire, England was shattered on Tuesday evening, July 9, 2024 when the wife and two daughters of BBC horse racing commentator John Hunt were killed in a brutal attack at their home.
Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, died after being attacked with a crossbow. The suspect, Kyle Clifford, 26, who is reportedly the ex-boyfriend of Louise Hunt, was apprehended after a city-wide manhunt and is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries.
The horrific incident unfolded just before 7 p.m. Officers arrived at the Hunt family home on Ashlyn Close to find the three women with severe injuries. “Sadly, despite their best efforts, the women died a short time later,” said Jon Simpson, the local policing commander for Hertfordshire Constabulary, during a press conference.
The attack, described by authorities as a “targeted incident,” led to an immediate and intense search for Clifford. He was found the following afternoon in Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield, and was transported to the hospital.
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit emphasized the emotional toll on the family, requesting privacy as they process the tragedy.
“This remains an extremely challenging period for the family of the victims, and we kindly request that their privacy be honored as they process this tragic event,” Jenkins stated. She also noted that premature identification of the victims had added to the family’s distress.
Tributes and condolences have poured in from colleagues and the broader horse racing community. “Today’s news about John Hunt’s family is heartbreaking,” read a note sent to BBC staffers. Colleagues described the Hunts as “beautiful souls” and “the loveliest, gentlest family.”
Neighbors and friends have expressed their grief and shock. Su Kehinde, a neighbor, described the family as “the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.” Another resident, Glyn Nicholas, shared his memories of Louise’s thriving dog grooming business, highlighting the community’s deep respect and affection for the family.
The suspect, Clifford, a former soldier who briefly served in the British Army before leaving in 2022, was known to the family through his past relationship with Louise. According to sources, Clifford’s relationship with Louise was controlling, restricting her behavior and social interactions.
The police have recovered the crossbow used in the attack and are investigating the possibility of other weapons being involved. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for an urgent review of crossbow regulations in response to the attack. “We keep legislation under constant review,” a Home Office spokesperson said, noting that a call for evidence was launched earlier this year to assess whether further crossbow controls are needed.
The tragic loss of Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt has profoundly impacted their community and the wider horse racing world. Friends and colleagues have organized vigils and memorials to honor their memory.