A young woman believed to be the ex-girlfriend of crossbow murder suspect Kyle Clifford shared a tweet praising “women who leave” days before she was killed along with her mother and sister at their home outside London.
Louise Hunt, 25, died in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday night along with her sister Hannah, 28, and their 61-year-old mother Carol after what police called a “targeted” attack.
They were the daughters and wife of BBC 5 Live racing commentator John Hunt.
In her final post on X, on Wednesday, July 3, Louise retweeted a message that said: “I admire women who leave” whether “you left after the 1st time or the 12th time”.
The post continued: “If ppl was calling you dumb for 11 years but in the 12th year you decided you was done...it takes ALOT of strength to break a tie. it takes ALOT of self love to choose yo self”.
Neighbour Glyn Nicholas, 77, told the Standard that one of the daughters had appeared “very upset” last week following what he understood to be “a very bad break-up”.
A huge manhunt for Clifford was launched after the three women were found fatally injured in their home in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close, in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just after 7pm on Tuesday.
Neighbours recalled hearing screaming on Tuesday evening as the “traumatic” incident unfolded.
Triple murder suspect Clifford was found in a cemetery nearby his home on Wednesday evening, following the hunt that saw police and helicopters swarm the north London area.
Clifford was found with injuries in Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, and was taken to a major trauma centre for treatment. He remained in hospital on Thursday.
Footage from Sky News appeared to show Clifford being stretchered out of the cemetery by paramedics. Police confirmed no shots had been fired by officers and said no arrest had yet been made.
In a press conference before Clifford was located, Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson from Hertfordshire Police told reporters the killings were believed to have been “targeted”.
During the manhunt for Clifford, who is understood to have left the Army in 2022 following a short stint, the force said they believed he may have been armed with a crossbow and warned the public not to approach him.
The assailant was believed to have been known to the victims.
Friends and neighbours have paid tribute to the three women and have laid flowers near their home in Bushey.
Neighbour Su Kehinde, 60, who laid flowers at the makeshift tribute in the area on Wednesday, said: “They were the loveliest, gentlest family.
“They were the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.”
Her daughter April, 32, said Hannah “always had a smile” and was “hard-working, a hard grafter and really gentle”.
Mr Nicholas told how Louise had started a dog grooming business a couple of years ago, adding: “It was a thriving business – we all took our dogs there to be groomed”.
He described them as “a nice family”, and said Carol had been a “lovely lady”. “We are all very upset,” he added.
Personalities from across the sports broadcasting world shared heartfelt condolences to racing expert John Hunt, following the tragedy.
Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman paid an emotional tribute at the start of the Euro 2024 pre-match show, before England’s semi-final game against the Netherlands on Wednesday night.
Speaking through tears, he said: “This has been a heartbreaking day.
“John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who have worked here with him over the past 20 years and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries.
“On behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.”
BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght said: “Like everyone else I feel numb and sick on John’s behalf at such incomprehensible evil.
“Everyone who knows John knows he is the absolute archetypal family man, so proud of them, so it’s impossible to know what he can be going through.”
In a note sent to BBC 5 Live staff after the deaths, the broadcaster said: “The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating.
“Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”
